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Definition of completenext
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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
There are completed balloons everywhere, and the day-shift members are collaborating instead of competing. Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 For many claims, the process still requires documentation and can take months to complete. Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
Here's your complete guide for how to wash clothes with vinegar to enjoy softer, better-smelling fabrics. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 The agency says the list may not be complete. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • The offense finished 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
  • His home run tied the score at three apiece, and Tucker wasn’t finished.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has complemented that persona with his attendance at sporting events, preoccupation with overhauling the White House grounds, including a new East Wing complex, and, during the 2024 election, his freewheeling campaign speeches.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 14 June 2026
  • Her husband Sprouse, meanwhile, complemented her in a matching all-black getup.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Before going down with the season-ending ailment, Thornton had unseated Chau Smith-Wade as the team’s starting nickel corner prior to the Week 11 win over Atlanta.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • The notion that nature begins only where humans end is anathema to the Cornish spirit.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Lizete González, a Mexico fan, said the city has a long way to go to fulfill its promises.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The standard must be whether outcomes justified the investment, promises were fulfilled, and measurable results were achieved.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Their multispecies map is a…blueprint that enshrines the right to roam for the entire animal kingdom.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • An entire swath of Nuggets fans was lost forever.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Spanning four stories above a finished basement, the townhouse contains five bedrooms, five full baths, and three powder rooms.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2026
  • Game 3 didn’t make San Antonio a finished product.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But for users who want a more comprehensive view of their finances — including investments and long-term goals — Monarch Money offers a compelling feature set that helps justify its cost.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Trump has opened our eyes to the consequences of extreme greed, corruption, cruelty, and utter disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
  • Tharmarajah provides a great balance of comic relief and utter poignance, explaining his survival techniques as an orphan, carving out a pragmatic path in life leading to a particular kind of soaring.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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