complete 1 of 2

Definition of completenext
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

1
2
3
4
5
6

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

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
Identify ways to remain in touch so productivity does not suffer and projects are completed on time and up to par. Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026 Of the 330,566 importers who paid tariffs, only 21,423 have completed the setup process to receive their refunds electronically. Mae Anderson, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The offensive line won’t be complete until Goosby is fully cleared from his offseason injury. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026 While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • Alajuelense returned the favor, beating LAFC 2-1 at BMO Stadium a week later, but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Black & Gold from continuing on the road to finishing runners-up to León.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Legislators craft viral moments for television and social media, sharpen partisan talking points and prepare for the next race long before the current term is finished.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Benevolent Venus complements rule-minded Saturn in your 11th House of Friendship, encouraging clear agreements with your teams and friends.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The classic circular design showcases preserved purple blooms with natural texture and a rustic yet elegant aesthetic that complements everything from French country to farmhouse decor.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These signals intensified recently when Kast abruptly ended the transition process after a clash with outgoing Boric over a project to install a submarine cable to connect Chile and China.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Voting for the Oscars ended March 5, possibly giving members of the academy just enough time to reconsider the slate of nominees.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On Wednesday night, with a dose of pentobarbital pumped into a vein, Ricks’ wish was fulfilled.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
  • For now, Tibbs is content to be fulfilling his potential with one organization.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In some cases, entire families sign up to record video, speech and images for AI training to supplement their income.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The entire company has been brought to a standstill.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of starkness, elements such as area rugs, throws and artwork help make a space feel finished and energized.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The finished texture should be more of a liquid than a solid.
    Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The donation will also support research initiatives advancing precision medicine approaches including studies of treatment response, comprehensive molecular profiling to personalize therapy and the application of artificial intelligence to detect trends that can guide more effective care.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Evanston publishes easily accessible comprehensive financial information on its website, including bills lists, debt information and salaries.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When Rob revealed his true identity on the Season 4 finale, Maura’s reaction was one of utter shock.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The biggest question many are asking is why the Jets would bring back Smith after his first tenure with the team was an utter disaster.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on complete

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster