complicate 1 of 2

1
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

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
Trump’s crackdown on immigration this year is also complicating the labor situation of the restaurant industry. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025 Jude claims to have no special interest in Dracula, having agreed to make this film as a concession to his financiers (some of whom dropped out during production, further complicating the low-budget affair). Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Could the bond sell-off complicate the House’s budget negotiations? Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 19 May 2025 The moves challenge the traditional U.S. security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • As the debt crisis only continues to deepen, Relief is leading the way for the change the market needs.
    Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Since its inception, Black August has served as a time to honor Black freedom fighters, deepen our political education and recommit to the struggle for liberation.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In interviews with more than 30 lawmakers, political figures, supporters, friends, and critics, Mamdani emerges as both more interesting and more complicated than the caricatures suggest.
    Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Some say the video represents a rising crime problem in the city, but crime statistics paint a more complicated picture.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025
  • While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The company behind the Warner Bros. studio, the HBO Max streaming service and cable networks including CNN and HGTV saw improving results for its streaming operations and production studios, even as conditions for its traditional TV networks appeared to worsen.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • If the body is already in a state of chronic stress, for example, intense workouts can actually worsen the condition.
    Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Metallic gold elements, cotton jacquards and intricate embroideries are central to the romantic theme.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Many companies have intricate criteria for funding projects and almost none for killing them.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers embarrassed them on the field and then hit the podcast circuit to shame them some more, ridiculing their defense, their baserunning, their lack of composure and even their unnecessary visits to the mound.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Big yikes: This is a sarcastic phrase to publicly mock or shame someone for a cringey comment, outfit, or behavior and is used to embarrass others in group chats or social media.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Ball faces charges of indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent exposure and unlawful contact with a minor, police said.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Following a two-day trial in Leavenworth County District Court, the jury found Liberti N. Figueroa guilty on Tuesday of two counts of aggravated endangering a child.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Navigating shifting federal priorities, complex public-private partnerships and global supply chain risks requires proactive engagement across governments, private investors and communities to secure sustainable capital and manage geopolitical uncertainties.
    Khaled Naja, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Still, these businesses work to maintain complex supply chains with multiple suppliers, which is both time consuming and highly manual.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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