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

1
2
3
4
5
6

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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
The Phantom 3500 follows Otto’s Celera 500L earlier prototype, which completed testing in 2019. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 June 2025 Since then, two new structures have been completed, with 29 more underway. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Adjective
Norda 005 Color: Neve $325 at Backcountry $325 at Norda The Norda 005 is a high-performance trail racer—complete with a carbon-fiber plate, super-critical foam, and an ultra-durable, sustainable BioDyneema upper—in a stealth package. Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 16 June 2025 While the guest rooms could use an update, the spa—complete with a solarium, sauna, and steam bath—the views of the turquoise River Aare, and the sun terrace outside the L' Ambiance restaurant make this a property worth experiencing for a night or two. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • Morant finished his sixth season in Memphis averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists over 50 games.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • Then Dart finished his second drive with a deep TD pass down the right sideline to rookie receiver Dalen Cambre.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • This leaves room for some upside to complement a decent forward dividend yield of 3.8%.
    John Choong, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Unlike most fruity orange sauces, the Pickled Prince version isn’t sugar-forward — kumquats have the perfect mixture of sweet punch and pucker to complement the habanero.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • States would be responsible for them, and — miracle of miracles — state and federal agencies actually agreed on how to manage grizzlies after ESA protections end.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
  • Episodes ended by dangling game rules and character deaths, beguiling us to keep watching.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • This meant developing digital kitchens to fulfill digital orders; orders placed in the restaurant are prepared by a separate makeline.
    Nina Ajemian, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • Many buyers are turning to other automakers to fulfill their electric vehicle (EV) desires.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s more than the entire population of Bergen — or more than Trondheim and Stavanger combined.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The entire episode was captured on NYPD bodycam video.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The rookie isn’t a finished product, and there surely will be some welcome-to-the-NFL moments as a run defender.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The pictures show the finished Avenue 56 grade separation, which raises traffic above the track route using a 219 feet long, 35 feet wide bridge.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • By The New York Times The overhaul was a far cry from the comprehensive review to evaluate aid programs and realign them with U.S. foreign policy that Mr. Trump promised on his first day in office.
    Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, the U.S. and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • There won’t be adequate words to describe how much changed in such a short period of time, thanks to Trump’s utter debasement of the office, and the GOP’s decision to follow him down one of the ugliest paths imaginable, all the while abandoning principles, morals, and basic common decency.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • Where to watch:Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango at Home. 1. 'Jaws' (1975) The seafaring masterpiece sinks every other shark movie in its utter perfection.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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