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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Users must first complete a short calibration routine that adapts the system to their individual movements. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026 Texas law requires police officers to complete a course called Trauma-Informed Approach to Sexual Assault Investigations. — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

Adjective

Create a new account and complete registration and KYC verification. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 The Kansas Jayhawks opened the 2026-27 regular season against the Fordham Rams and showcased why they are considered one of the more diverse and complete teams in the country. — Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

Conwell finished Monday’s loss with five points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field and 1-of-3 shooting on threes, one rebound and one assist in eight minutes.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
MaxPreps records show Beyer finished 0-10 in 2018, 2021 and 2022.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

Sprouse complemented his wife’s elaborate look with a black pinstriped suit and oversized bow tie.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney give Michigan a strong backcourt that will be complemented by the transfer portal and high school recruits.

— Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of complement

Verb

Rodney Rice had 15 points and nine assists in his first game since a season-ending shoulder injury last year, and KJ Lewis added 10 points.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Mitchell ended the night with 15 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 shooting on threes and seven assists.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of end

Verb

In a time when peers such as the New York Dolls and Velvet Underground were upending rock and roll with glamour and arty disaffection, Television fulfilled the genre’s promises of both swaggering virtuosity and restless reinvention.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Some see it as a promise kept, others as one not yet fulfilled, and others as the inverse—that Trump has since disassembled beyond repair the nation and its political institutions rather than rebuilding these as pledged.

— Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Adjective

The Fort Worth and Fort Collins shows—the former the only 1976 show ever officially pressed to vinyl, the latter released to streaming services without notice a week before the box’s arrival—are instant classics of Dylan’s entire live oeuvre.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
Consider this your chance to improve your entire bed's comfort for less.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of entire

Adjective

Beyond its adoption areas and dedicated kitten facility, the state-of-the-art building is fully equipped to handle comprehensive feline care, featuring a feline behavior department, examination rooms, and grooming facilities.

— Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights recognizes sensitive biometric information, but its comprehensive access, deletion and opt-out rights target a narrow class of very large advertising and technology businesses.

— Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of comprehensive

Adjective

An underappreciated and entirely pleasing aspect of the Republicans’ demolishment on Tuesday was the utter failure of their attempt to preserve a GOP House majority through outlandish gerrymandering.

— Robert Gebelhoff, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026
The film became such a cultural phenomenon that its title is now practically synonymous with parties that descend into utter chaos.

— Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of utter

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“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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