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
Behind the fairytale ascent to fame, Cardinale’s personal life was complicated due to an unplanned pregnancy just as her career was taking off. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025 Defense and infrastructure advocates assert that tariffs also drive up the price of critical supplies, complicating procurement for national security and public projects. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The district has tried to be conservative on replacing items as efforts to form a fire territory complicate issues of investment and ownership. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 Now, sometimes the people or circumstances around us complicate that endeavor. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • His appetites and his animosities only deepen.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Jung Yeon-Je / AFP via Getty Images file Kim has also deepened his country’s military cooperation with Russia, sending artillery and thousands of troops to support President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.
    Stella Kim, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The rust mantra is wisely chanted when searching for a Karmann Ghia, and restoring one is as complicated as restoring any Porsche 356 from the period.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But the reality is more complicated.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Last year, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reportedly filed a petition to modify the family’s parenting plan, citing his worsening mental health issues.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • He’s been sedated for the most part since the crash, to prevent any additional physical exertion or agitation that could worsen his injuries.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These small-scale outfit changes, paired with an intricate and precise lighting design that, at times, bathed the arena in blue light, seemed to reveal Lorde’s desire to bare everything, to be so transparent as to be see through.
    Rachel Seo, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The house, which comes with a private boat dock and direct river access, is characterized by original architectural details from the period, a steep, pitched roof with cross gables, expansive dormer windows, intricate decorative wood trim and a wrap-around porch.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Epstein scandal continues to embarrass the British royal family, even years after Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Me, a beautiful and clever five-time Emmy-winning writer with a few Wednesday nights free, and The Golden Bachelor, a heartwarming and adorable exploration of women’s second acts with a male doofus at the center who has already embarrassed himself.
    Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Venus aggravating Uranus tests your ability to roll with the punches.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
  • His criminal history includes convictions for felony grand larceny, felony aggravated DUI with a child passenger less than 16 years old, identify theft, and retail theft.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • More than 3 million clinicians have trusted the tool for over three decades and are already using it to find best practices for challenging, complex medical cases.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • This is because the technology requires sophisticated programming and complex algorithms to control how materials react to stimuli.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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