complete 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
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

4

complete

2 of 2

adjective

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2
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4
5
6

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For
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complete information
detailed information
true information
correct information
comprehensive information
full information
complete understanding
perfect understanding
full understanding
absolute understanding
sufficient understanding
total understanding
complete coverage
total coverage
full coverage
enough coverage
excellent coverage
over-all coverage
a complete list
a detailed list
an extensive list
an exhaustive list
a definitive list
a conclusive list
complete lack
total lack

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
Under current law, developers can be held liable for construction defects for up to 10 years after a project is completed, even for cosmetic damages. Muhammad Alameldin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 The final cost will be set once the design is completed, said Laura Swartz, the communications director for the Department of Finance. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
This canopy comes complete with guy ropes, stakes, and weight bags for long days outside. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025 These were used to generate complete genome sequences. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • This journey, filled with Roman ruins and medieval towns, finishes in Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali.
    Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • China finished assembling the three-module Tiangong, which is about 20% as massive as the International Space Station, in November 2022.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rugs in All Forms: Function Meets Design Whether anchoring a living room or adding texture to a hallway, Scandinavian rugs are available in a variety of formats, including runners, large statement pieces, and soft area rugs designed to complement open floor plans or cozy corners.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
  • Key Takeaways Paint your porch in colors that complement the house and help keep it cool during hot weather.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Major automakers want Congress to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states, warning the rules could begin impacting vehicle shipments in a few months.
    David Shepardson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The festival kicks off on May 13, and ends on May 24, with the winners broadcast live at the closing ceremony on France Télévisions in France and by Brut internationally.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For students applying in this admissions cycle, Yale made the groundbreaking move to allow students to submit Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores rather than the ACT or SAT to fulfill their standardized testing requirement.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The fresh color popped up when Middleton and Prince William traveled to Scotland to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary and fulfill some royal duties.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • After hatching, the tiny insects live almost their entire lives in the web of a single spider, eating any weakened or recently deceased insects that have been caught by their host – all while adorned in a grisly collection of body parts.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Continue reading … -- POLITICS ‘WHO IS THAT?’ – Trump asks veteran about his sticker, the answer sends entire Oval Office into laughter.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The exhibit is an immersive installation that showcases the processes of turning raw titanium into finished Super Titanium™ watches, the exhibition also boasts a centerpiece room with nine freestanding structures made from nearly 1,000 titanium plates.
    Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • There will be booths with yarn, equipment and finished goods.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Earlier this month, the Chinese government escalated things even further, subjecting seven rare earth elements to a more comprehensive export licensing program that covers the whole world and is designed to further choke off American companies.
    Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists with the forensic genetic genealogy lab based in Texas were able to build a comprehensive genetic profile using existing data for the then-unknown woman and ultimately found her identity.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Talk about the low of the low, what utter scumbags.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But sometimes, such as in crosswalks during peak commuting times, that order turns to utter chaos.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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