complicate 1 of 2

Definition of complicatenext
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
What experts are saying The February jobs decline could complicate the Federal Reserve's decision-making on interest rates as monetary policymakers look to bolster employment while keeping inflation at bay, experts said. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 The weaker-than-expected report complicates the monetary policy outlook. Sarah Min,sean Conlon,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
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
  • Less than a mile away, the corps is planning to deepen and widen the shipping channel leading into Port Everglades, blasting through the reef line and dredging up sediment that could smother acres of surrounding coral, according to federal scientists.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
  • However, consumer advocates argued the agreement held the line on even higher increases and halted further policy cancellations that have deepened a crisis in the state’s insurance industry.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Daylight saving time is meant to provide extra sunlight during the spring, summer and fall seasons, but in Indiana, there's a very complicated past with DST.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But neither records nor details about their release have surfaced, underscoring how complicated such disclosures can be.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Andrésol’s steps into the job as security forces continue to intensify their fight against armed gangs and the country prepares for the deployment of the first military contingents of the United Nations authorized Gang Suppression Force.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Fighting intensifies between Afghanistan and Pakistan Military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend, deepening instability in a region that was further rattled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The conflict also threatens to worsen Afghanistan’s already grave humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by Western aid cuts following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Iran's attack on the Ras Tanura refinery represents a major escalation, a Middle East analyst said, with Iran demonstrating that key Gulf energy infrastructure is within its reach, and investor sentiment was likely to worsen.
    DAVID McHUGH, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In recent years, the property has undergone a refresh, with local architect and interior designer Pietro Castagna devising a homey yet modern aesthetic in wilful contrast to the opulent features and intricate façades of the region’s other lakeside villas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The luxuries afforded to the modern consumer are easily taken for granted, but behind every hotel stay and restaurant meal, there's an intricate network of trade.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These are embarrassing own goals that Republicans simply can’t afford.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Noah Silver, Boca Raton Americans may need a refresher on why Attorney General Pam Bondi continues to embarrass herself and her office.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • It is recommended to stay indoors when possible, especially for those with medical or respiratory conditions that are aggravated by smoke.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • With Mbappe having experienced knee pain since December, sources added that there are fears of aggravating the problem if the 27-year-old returns too early.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Roozbeh Farahanipour, a former Iranian dissident who now lives in Los Angeles, worries that a destabilized Iran, with its complex cultural heritage and patchwork of ethnic and religious groups, could devolve into a far worse mess than post-invasion Iraq.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Little emphasized the need to ease property taxes in a letter accompanying his signature but criticized Moyle’s approach as rushed and overly complex.
    Mark Dee March 6, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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