complete 1 of 2

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
It is expected to be completed in 2030. Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026 Coca-Cola is expected to complete its rollout this month, and Keurig Dr Pepper is expected to add the feature later this year. Jing Feng, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Adjective
Leveraging technology to render complete 3D worlds based on meticulous historical research, the exhibition is much more than panels on a wall. Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 21 June 2026 Be sure to visit colorful Rain Barrel Village for local art, lush gardens, and a tropical oasis complete with cold cocktails. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • The Charlotte City Council voted to select Harrington to finish out the term of Mayor Vi Lyles, which ends in December 2027.
    Mary Ramsey Updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
  • Each team will need to finish either in its group’s top two or rank in the top eight third-place teams to advance to the round of 32.
    Joy Burton, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • According to the brand, Dew & Light's popularity in Korea and Japan reflects a broader appreciation for scents that feel clean, delicate, and effortless—fragrances that complement your presence instead of announcing it.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 June 2026
  • But maybe the best part of a golf vacation here is all of the other things to do in the area that can complement your golf.
    Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Kylee and Aven left Bachelor in Paradise in a relationship but without an engagement, though their romance ended shortly after the season finale aired.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • The dismissal of the arson charge does not end the criminal case against Hobby.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • More than half of Gen Zers said doing work that was personally fulfilling was within their top three priorities, and 25% ranked helping and caring for others up top, as well.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • The commission just fulfilled one of its primary duties, forwarding to Mayor Barbara Lee a shortlist of finalists to be considered for the job of the Oakland Police Department’s next permanent chief.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Early modeling from the US Geological Survey estimates there will most likely be economic losses between $10 billion and $100 billion – the upper figure roughly the size of the entire Venezuelan economy.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Rodríguez said that although the tremors were felt across the entire country, the areas hardest hit so far include Caracas, Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Penn said these suggestions will not be included in the finished park, but can be included in an unfunded needs list for future considerations.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Wright has recovered from the colon cancer surgery and finished chemotherapy.
    Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Without discussing too much in detail, councilmembers raised several potential alternatives during the meeting, including parking garage subsidies, downtown employee waivers and a comprehensive citywide review of parking programs.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • The first stage began in July 2025, when Meta announced comprehensive measures targeting accounts that repeatedly share unoriginal content without meaningful enhancement, building on enforcement actions that had already been taken against 500,000 accounts in the first half of the year.
    Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • English cricket has been in utter chaos for the last two weeks and the most damning indictment of those in charge is that this is a mess very much of their own making.
    Nasser Hussain, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • What immediately followed that bright June day were dark months marred by the state’s largest criminal investigation in history coming up empty, police questioning second graders for new leads and mounting legal battles among the Horman family grappling with utter devastation.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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