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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

In August, SpaceX also completed a $60 billion acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 His company had completed a major reorganization, introduced a new technology platform and changed reporting structures within the same quarter. — Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Adjective

As of the end of September, Kodiak said 96% of the claims and evidence required for its long-haul safety case were materially complete, up from 93% at the end of August. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 The new smart display is reportedly designed to be the heart of Apple Home, marking a complete reboot of the ecosystem, and Apple Home users have wanted it for years. — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

The image is then precision-fabricated into a 3D model that’s finished by hand — all for $2,200, about the national average of an actual wedding gown.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Chocolate moelleux and tropical sorbet, both elevated with a flavoured crumble (cardamom and lime, respectively) finished off the meal with a satisfying hit of sweetness.

— Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

Redway says to opt for a warmer tone and consult with your colorist to find the right shade that will complement your skin tone.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
Phillips finished the night with a career-high 17 carries for 120 yards and gave Georgia enough on the ground to help complement quarterback Gunner Stockton’s performance through the air.

— Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of complement

Verb

Dodgers lefty Tanner Scott came to the rescue and struck out Bauers and Yelich to end the inning (and Garrett Mitchell to kick off the seventh).

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
The race starts and ends at The Momentary in Bentonville and two of the three course lengths roll through McDonald County in Missouri.

— Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of end

Adjective

Brands need to decide which trends resonate, which ones make sense to capitalize on and make a new product launch or an entire franchise and which to let go and pass over.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
This phone’s standout feature is the adjustable privacy display, which can hide your entire screen, or just portions of it, from onlookers and strangers.

— Brad Bourque, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of entire

Adjective

The project had initially gone into development through Kapadia’s Mangata Films label, but received a big shot in the arm when Scam and Black Warrant producer Applause Entertainment boarded to produce and distribute the finished show.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
The paper presents PhoneBot as a platform others can build and experiment with, rather than a finished household companion.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of finished

Adjective

By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.

— Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of utter

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“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of complete

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