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
The relationship between King Charles and his son Harry has been complicated for a while. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 23 Apr. 2025 The stark warning highlights the fact that tariffs could complicate the Fed’s rate-cutting path. John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 26 Feb. 2025 Trump’s policies, which ignite strong opinions, further complicate collaboration between employees with opposing perspectives. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • In today’s environment—where diners increasingly ask where food comes from—this trend gives operators a way to deepen authenticity, connection, and trust. #4 Diner Designed Menus that listen, meals that engage The rise of personalization isn’t new.
    Unilever Food Solutions Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Princess of Wales is coming off a very complicated year.
    Blanche Marcel, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Admittedly, the show started to lose some momentum in later seasons as subplots and shifting relationships became more complicated.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump’s recent ultimatum proposing U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea has intensified the diplomatic divide within Europe, forcing European capitals to choose between Kyiv or Washington.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As the pope’s funeral approached, security around the Vatican intensified.
    Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, 92% of workers are concerned about a potential recession, and 52% foresee burnout rates worsening this year.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Dutch florists provided tens of thousands of flowers in an intricate, colorful layout − a tradition in its 39th year.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Across extremely varied and challenging environments, the intricate stories of penguin species—such as rockhoppers, gentoos, macaronis and Magellanic—are unveiled.
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Breathing danger: Health risks from ash Breathing volcanic ash can irritate the throat and lungs, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD.
    David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This makes the decision as to whether Villa wish to trigger the buy option more complex, given the 27-year-old’s rejuvenation remains a work in progress and now complicated by injury.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Similar to Barbarian, a surface-level logline description about missing kids is but the tip of a massive and wildly complex iceberg.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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