COMPLETE Synonyms: 390 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'complete' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close , conclude , end , finish , and terminate . While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. // the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Q: Where would 'close' be a reasonable alternative to 'complete'?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. // close a debate

Q: In what contexts can 'conclude' take the place of 'complete'?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). // the service concluded with a blessing

Q: When could 'end' be used to replace 'complete'?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality. // ended his life

Q: When might 'finish' be a better fit than 'complete'?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. // after it is painted, the house will be finished

Q: When would 'terminate' be a good substitute for 'complete'?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. // your employment terminates after three months

complete 1 of 2

verb

Definition of complete

as in to finish

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done managed to complete the assignment with time to spare

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to complement

to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

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as in to end

to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point the well-attended concert completed a great weekend of arts and entertainment events

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of no payments will be made until the contract is completed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complete

2 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈplēt

as in entire

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it a complete deck of cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in finished

brought or having come to an end your education is never complete—there's always something more to learn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete genius

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorough

trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a riding school that will teach you all skills required of the complete equestrian

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb complete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close, conclude, end, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would close be a reasonable alternative to complete?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

In what contexts can conclude take the place of complete?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace complete?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might finish be a better fit than complete?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would terminate be a good substitute for complete?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

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 complete

Verb

Up to now, Cowork had only been available for users operating on specific devices, which needed to remain open and active for work to be completed, and users could not operate Cowork via multiple devices using one account. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 7 July 2026 The Kansas City Royals and New York Mets nearly completed every possible outcome in a Major League Baseball game. — Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Adjective

Educators are left trying to piece together a complete picture of a student while balancing dozens of other responsibilities. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 July 2026 The excavation is expected to be complete in another month, with plans to showcase the archaeological finds to the public, the Fine Arts Department said. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

That was a 2019 Bahamas Bowl loss in Will Healy’s first season at Charlotte, which finished 7-6 for the 49ers’ lone winning season since elevating to the FBS in 2015.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
His youngest daughter is now among the six candidates in the special election that will decide who finishes his term.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

Those included a charmingly cluttered Bucket family home, a lush candyland with the smell of chocolate piped through the Royal Theater to complement the full-size mock chocolate river, and a glass elevator that flew above the audience.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
The lace overlay extends past the lining into a sheer hem, creating an airy finish that complements the dress’s romantic feel.

— Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Definition of complement

Verb

The last few weeks have shown his governing style and a remarkable run of papal decision-making where Leo has set the agenda, rather than merely fulfill the appointments set by his predecessor.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
But work, starting a family and following Leicester up and down the country prevented him from fulfilling that World Cup dream.

— Rob Tanner, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of fulfill

Adjective

Swift recently paid tribute to the Hollywood icon with an entire song on The Life of a Showgirl and licensed imagery and other intellectual property from Elizabeth Taylor's estate for the music video.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
As the music builds, entire sections of the crowd rise to their feet, clapping, chanting and dancing together.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of entire

Adjective

The Texas performance specialists will finally unveil the finished Venom F5-M at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
In summary, the researchers devised a technique using existing technologies that simultaneously produces high-entropy alloy raw materials and complex finished products.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Definition of finished

Adjective

Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.

— Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of utter

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“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of complete

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