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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
That one question helped complicate ideas about institutional visibility and legibility. Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025 These black specks show up each autumn, congregating on my screens and windowsill, and complicating my desire to open the window on a pleasant day. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Families today are more anchored: two-income households complicate moves, aging demographics keep older homeowners in place, and many are locked into mortgage rates under 4%, unwilling to trade up into costlier loans. Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The shift would send states scrambling and complicate parents’ efforts to get young children vaccinated ahead of the coming respiratory virus season. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.
    Yolanda Watson Spiva, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The flare suggests there are unknown populations of giant stars near the centers of large galaxies, which also host supermassive black holes — and sheds light on the complicated interactions between two behemoths.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • What unites them is Dern’s ability to find the humanity in characters navigating life’s most complicated terrain.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Violence has intensified, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and political prisoners, including my mother, remain behind bars.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Their fate worsened when star striker Barbra Banda, who was crowned NWSL Championship MVP last year, was injured during a mid-August match, ending her season.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Esperance, the human-rights advocate who once opposed a foreign intervention and has since changed his mind as the gang violence worsens, said any election held now would in effect turn the country over to the gangs.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Kardashian doesn’t embarrass herself, because her role doesn’t ask much of her to begin with.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Still, the former University of Miami standout did not want to be dealt, even publicly stating that just hours after the Dolphins’ embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The model comes with three attachments, including a crevice tool that helps remove allergy-aggravating dust, pet hair, and debris.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make any moves at the NFL trade deadline, aggravating their fanbase in the process.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The reality is that housing production is a very complex issue.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2025
  • And the drive to solve complex problems started early.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

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