complete 1 of 2

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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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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complete

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adjective

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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
Prescott completed 14 of 18 throws in the first half for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025 Health insurance plans send lists of eligible patients to Exact Sciences, which completes its own checks to verify someone is due for screening. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
On one end of the space is a ground-floor bedroom and on the other is a full bathroom complete with a toilet and your choice of a tub or shower. Travel + Leisure Staff, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 In May, Texas voters in Cameron County approved a measure for Starbase to become a city, complete with a mayor and a city council. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • How to Watch Italy vs Israel There’s a lot on the line as Italy hosts Israel in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with the home team still in contention to finish first in UEFA Group I.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • There's no comic relief or light moments to take you away from the tough topics, which makes Guadagnino's piece stick with you long after the credits have finished rolling.
    Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The renovated 19th-century crofter’s house puts sea views front and center, with Nordic interiors to complement the serene setting.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The dark blue wash complements every autumn shade, from chocolate brown to camel, and the wide-leg cut is both flattering and on-trend.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite playing just 30 minutes against West Ham, the Arsenal captain ended the game with the joint-most line-breaking passes in the final third (four).
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In April, Brazil ended visa-free travel for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, citing a lack of reciprocity.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For the previous two games in this National League Division Series, the Dodgers had fulfilled the task that kept their coaches and staff up late at night.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Yeah, but again, so fulfilling creatively.
    Vogue, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a matter of hours, the pillars of an entire system of repression had not simply collapsed.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The performance, and the entire show at the Flicker Bar, will be released as part of the Drive-By Truckers’ forthcoming reissue of Decoration Day.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Alternate 4-inch layers of shredded organic matter with 1 inch of topsoil or finished compost.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Having local celebrities to tap into hands buyers the opportunity to easily adapt the format for their own territories, says Mike Beale, managing director of ITV Studios Creative Network, who says format sales will be prioritized over finished tape.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The eastern campus will total 300,000 square feet and focus on comprehensive primary care, primary and specialty pediatric care, and adult and pediatric urgent care.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Consider the personal income per resident yardstick, the bureau’s comprehensive measurement of all types of incomes, including those from jobs, businesses, investments, and government assistance.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The fight, an utter farce, lasted 91 seconds, but Trump formed a lasting relationship with the ferocious Tyson.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • There weren’t gaping holes or utter structural breakdowns.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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