complicate 1 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce complicate (audio)
Definition of complicatenext
1
as in to complex
to make complex or difficult the need to go to both a PTA conference and condo board meeting really complicates tonight's schedule

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to deepen
to make more severe asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complicate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈkäm-pli-kət How to pronounce complicate (audio)
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated the kind of complicate machinery that is used in the field of robotics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 complicate
Verb
The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June and caused extensive damage also complicated efforts toward stability in the country. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Trump’s envoys have also proposed that Europe increase purchases of Russian gas as part of an effort to gain the Kremlin’s support for peace—further complicating the efforts of Ukraine and its remainingallies to squeeze Russia. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Fires in salt cedar can create spotting conditions and complicate suppression efforts, especially on windy days, when embers are carried ahead of containment lines, according to the department. — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 4 May 2026 Trump’s announcement, suggesting the US would police ships that have paid Iran a toll to transit the waterway, threatens to escalate naval activity and further complicate countries’ efforts to get energy from the region. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
  1. intensify
  2. deepen
  3. complicated
  4. embarrass
  5. worsen
  6. intricate
  7. perplex
  8. aggravate
Verb
  • The Daily Caller is clearly positioning itself for a landscape not just post-midterms but post- Trump, and for a bitter and intensifying intra-party media battle.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This weekend's shows fell during the ceasefire, but the company plans to perform next weekend as usual, even as local officials warn that Russian forces have brought in more weapons and personnel and some residents expect shelling to intensify.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • But North Korea’s deepening military ties with Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine have led analysts to question whether Pyongyang is becoming less reliant on Beijing.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Residents of the southern Ukrainian ⁠town, occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, have reported a deepening food crisis.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of deepen
Adjective
  • Trump has portrayed the bill as a simple fix to a complicated problem.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Tackling complicated optimization problems Quantum computers could also help with problems involving enormous numbers of possible combinations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • The Jets have already been embarrassed by the Bears and Dolphins this season.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The colliding scandals embarrassed the city of South Lake Tahoe, a Sierra Nevada enclave of about 21,000 people near the Nevada border, where residents addressed the situation at an emotional City Council meeting last year.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • Her chances at having a baby only seemed to worsen in 2014, when a colorectal surgeon attempted to reposition her stoma — an opening in the abdomen through which waste exits the body — to make pregnancy possible, but the surgery was unsuccessful.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Considering Intel's guidance on the worsening PC slowdown, commentary on current-quarter demand will carry more weight than the September-quarter results.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of worsen
Adjective
  • Indeed, this is perhaps best illustrated by the Alta Moda line of Dolce & Gabbana, which has featured intricate beading, delicate lace, sculptural drapery, complicated basketry, and lush floral appliqués.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The intricate weave was created using a relatively new powder-bed printing process.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of intricate
Verb
  • At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • Even physically dividing the Drive into express and local lanes like a suburban highway will only aggravate the problem for those trying to get across.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane missed Sunday’s game after aggravating his shoulder injury but returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of aggravate

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Cite this Entry

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

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