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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
The report noted that 72% of Asian American high school seniors in the 2024-25 cohort completed their A-G requirements — a series of 15 college preparatory courses that makes students eligible for admission to the University of California or California State University systems. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026 But the economics of low-level soccer remain brutal, and Spokane’s women’s soccer team folded three weeks ago after completing its second season. Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
Adjective
As soon as that’s complete, gasoline prices are going to drop like a rock. NBC news, 7 June 2026 Because these costs vary based on the providers and services used, investors should request a complete fee schedule before opening an account. Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • The Knicks got their first lead of the night on Brunson’s 26-footer as part of a big burst to finish the half.
    Brian Mahoney, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • The ceasefire with Iran was supposed to last two weeks while negotiators finished a deal to end the war.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Unlike traditional consumer goods companies, Mammoth is less focused on entering specific categories to complement its overall portfolio and instead more interested in customer retention and its growth prospects across e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail, according to Katz-Mayfield.
    Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko, CNBC, 7 June 2026
  • The outdoor kitchen also comes in several color options, so homeowners can create a look that complements their outdoor space.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 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
  • Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • For his entire adult life, Mbappe has been seen as the player at the vanguard of the post-Messi, post-Ronaldo, post-Neymar era.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 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
  • Once again, use your common sense to do whatever is necessary to protect a finished floor.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) teamed up with their counterparts at John Hopkins University to develop a comprehensive framework to model quantum noise for superconducting quantum processors.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
  • Rocket Money is a comprehensive personal finance app that aims to provide a 360-degree view of your financial health.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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