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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complicate
Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Numbers are also complicated by changes in the California Dream Act Application, which was established for students lacking documentation to apply for state aid but has expanded to allow students who are citizens and have an undocumented parent.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
There are extensive drawbacks to using nuclear weapons, including their very destructiveness—which could undermine larger objectives or complicate battlefield operations—and the international backlash that would follow.
—Paul Avey, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Verb
Crystal Palace’s eligibility for that international competition had been complicated by the fact that Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings Group also has a majority stake in the French club Lyon.
—Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Numbers are also complicated by changes in the California Dream Act Application, which was established for students lacking documentation to apply for state aid but has expanded to allow students who are citizens and have an undocumented parent.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
Adjective
While promoting fairness, the rule can, and often does, complicate estate administration.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
There are extensive drawbacks to using nuclear weapons, including their very destructiveness—which could undermine larger objectives or complicate battlefield operations—and the international backlash that would follow.
—Paul Avey, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
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The fractures that divided Senate Republicans before the bill text was released on June 16 remain – or have deepened – now that the details are clear.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
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The distribution agreement deepens the collaboration between TF1 and Netflix, which already co-produce series together, including Les Combattantes, L’Agence and Tout le bleu du ciel.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Many of the children have trauma and complicated needs, and one of the responses may be to run away.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
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And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Getty Images Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to steal and sell online passwords, experts warn.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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Black women are often conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and this tendency may intensify during the summertime demands.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Some locals in Venice, which has dealt with overtourism that has strained the city’s infrastructure and services for years, will protest the wedding over concerns its scale will worsen some of the issues created by excessive tourist crowds.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Other inflammatory conditions can also cause back pain that worsens with rest and improves with activity, Dr. Portugal says.—
Katie Camero,
SELF,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The shell was slightly cold from the water, and what caught her attention most was the intricate, almost mesmerizing pattern etched across its surface.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
19 June 2025
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The defensive problems mainly came down the right side, where Al Hilal’s intricate wing play mesmerised Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Verb
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And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Alyssa seems terrified but doesn’t embarrass herself.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Th1 can aggravate metabolic problems by impairing insulin manufacture, altering insulin signaling and amplifying insulin resistance.—
Smithsonian Magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 June 2025
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Sevier also would seek damages if testimony indicates that the crash aggravated a pre-existing physical condition.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The Antidote has her own complex relationship to this history.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2025
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Her paintings are a delight to look at, with pleasure arising from the complex interplay of colors—say, black against red against orange—or subtle variations in adjoining geometric shapes.—
Jillian Steinhauer,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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