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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Strong demand for oil, particularly from Asia, continues to provide an incentive for tanker operators to transport energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, even as security threats complicate voyages. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The lack of clarity on the root of his ailments complicated the balancing act on both sides. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 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 complex political and economic climate has only intensified their desire to invest their own time and resources in uplifting other Latino and Hispanic creatives.
    — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Their push intensified as questions emerged about district contracts and payments involving a consultant with ties to Sneed.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • While security is by far the most pressing priority, new projections from the IMF have revealed the war’s deepening economic toll.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Washington, for its part, is creating friction in many of its partnerships instead of deepening them, and risks squandering its network just as its adversaries are learning to make more of theirs.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of deepen
Adjective
  • International funding, Patil says, means long waits, complicated contracts and co-production treaties, and Indian filmmakers end up chasing the same grants as professionals from wealthier countries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Birmingham Industrious, unassuming Birmingham has overcome an at-times fraught and complicated past to develop food, music, and cultural scenes that show the world why it's called the Magic City.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • Reese said the exercise left her upset with Smesko and worried about embarrassing herself in front of the team.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Over two games in Tampa, the Rays had embarrassed the Yankees – nearly no hitting them in Game 1 and putting the ball in play and watching the errors ensue in Game 2.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • The concern is, if the trade wars continue or worsen, that there will be an even steeper decline to the industry area was built on.
    — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Those issues worsened when sixth-year receiver Ben Ford exited Saturday’s game at halftime with an injury, after already recording four catches for 45 yards.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of worsen
Adjective
  • Most Sherlock Holmes stories are mysteries – intricate, complex and brilliantly written.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The pieces feature custom hardware and intricate embroidery highlighting Indian Motorcycle’s iconic headdress badge.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 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
  • Unfortunately, Delane aggravated a shoulder injury on that play and was unable to return to action in that game, the season opener at Arrowhead.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Yankees are also cautious about Judge on a turf field, which could further aggravate the injury.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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