complicate 1 of 2

Definition of complicatenext
1
2
as in to deepen
to make more severe asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complicate

2 of 2

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complicate
Verb
The company’s rapid developments come as grocery stores battle rising inflation, only further complicated by the hike in gas prices. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 However, this could well complicate Harry’s case and undermine his credibility. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Families today are more anchored: two-income households complicate moves, aging demographics keep older homeowners in place, and many are locked into mortgage rates under 4%, unwilling to trade up into costlier loans. Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The shift would send states scrambling and complicate parents’ efforts to get young children vaccinated ahead of the coming respiratory virus season. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • That silence has only deepened scrutiny.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Thousands of Shahed drones have pummeled the Persian Gulf this month, hitting hotels, airports, seaports, desalination plants, and energy infrastructure, and deepening the worst oil-price shock in modern history.
    Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The complicated and delicate efforts to rescue the 12-15 meter (39-49 feet) whale off a sandbank at Timmendorfer Strand beach earlier this week captivated Germans — with media sending news alerts of updates on its progress and streaming live video from the scene.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
    Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The backlash intensified because of timing.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Most importantly, the legislation intensified punishments for those with prior convictions, with the worst offenders looking at a first-degree felony with up to 30 years imprisonment.
    Sean M. Cleary, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over time this will worsen outcomes for chronic illness and preventative care.
    Dr. Howard A. Selinger, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The problem is expected to worsen over time without climate change mitigation.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some were draped in ivy, others adorned with pink blossoms, but none are forgotten by nature’s touch—each brought to life by the intricate details that transport you into a postcard of the Italian countryside.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the human hand’s intricate design and proprioceptive capabilities, this study aims to enhance the dexterity of robotic hands, particularly in multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) motion and posture perception.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And when that happens, Jamahl Mosley — a good coach and an even better man — will be the fall guy for a team that is embarrassing itself on a national scale and getting exposed in the league standings.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The very existence of Tisch’s relationship and conversations with Epstein, which are not in dispute, should be enough to embarrass the NFL.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My ila facial was pure joy—no painful extraction or aggravating scrubs here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The injury was first reported by the British tabloid, The Sun, which claimed that Turner had aggravated a pre-existing back injury.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then set aside time to file electronically, use tax software or meet with a professional if your finances are more complex.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to the waste from duplication, the DA has noted that the new unit could threaten complex cases involving coordination with the state attorney general and end up prematurely settling cases that are part of larger investigations.
    Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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