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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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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
Senior forward Ava Punak, junior guard Sidney Hale and junior guard Addison Seibert complete a formidable starting lineup. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 In a review completed recently, the Cook County Office of the Independent Inspector General found persistent problems at the County Jail with supervision, maintenance, sanitation, and housing conditions. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Create a new account and complete registration and KYC verification. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 The Kansas Jayhawks opened the 2026-27 regular season against the Fordham Rams and showcased why they are considered one of the more diverse and complete teams in the country. — Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • Conwell finished Monday’s loss with five points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field and 1-of-3 shooting on threes, one rebound and one assist in eight minutes.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • MaxPreps records show Beyer finished 0-10 in 2018, 2021 and 2022.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Sprouse complemented his wife’s elaborate look with a black pinstriped suit and oversized bow tie.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney give Michigan a strong backcourt that will be complemented by the transfer portal and high school recruits.
    — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Rodney Rice had 15 points and nine assists in his first game since a season-ending shoulder injury last year, and KJ Lewis added 10 points.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Mitchell ended the night with 15 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field and 4-of-4 shooting on threes and seven assists.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Orders reflect current demand, while sales represent past demand that's been fulfilled — and investors are always looking toward the future.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The Alaska Supreme Court ruled this summer that the second candidate fulfilled all legal requirements to stay on.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Fort Worth and Fort Collins shows—the former the only 1976 show ever officially pressed to vinyl, the latter released to streaming services without notice a week before the box’s arrival—are instant classics of Dylan’s entire live oeuvre.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Consider this your chance to improve your entire bed's comfort for less.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • No sensible developer would pour the foundation and erect 20 stories before deciding what the finished building should look like.
    — Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
  • On an afternoon in late July, two women stood huddled behind a bright white front desk at one end of its semi-finished lobby.
    — Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond its adoption areas and dedicated kitten facility, the state-of-the-art building is fully equipped to handle comprehensive feline care, featuring a feline behavior department, examination rooms, and grooming facilities.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights recognizes sensitive biometric information, but its comprehensive access, deletion and opt-out rights target a narrow class of very large advertising and technology businesses.
    — Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • These accusations are utter nonsense, concocted from distortions, half-truths and lies.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The board’s first mission—to pacify and bring lawful governance to Gaza—has been an utter failure.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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