1
as in complicate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
a complicated apparatus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
complicated plans for redeveloping the riverfront that involve both the private and public sectors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sophisticated
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggravated
to make more severe
asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 complicated
Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
But Hyland struggles to find the pacing and rhythm of her complicated vision.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
The role both launched and complicated his career.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Adjective
One of the things that drew Kaplow to this story was the complicated, yet endearing relationship between Rodgers and Hart.
—Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
But Hyland struggles to find the pacing and rhythm of her complicated vision.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
The arc of the moral universe is complicated.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
The role both launched and complicated his career.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicated
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Matchmakers create detailed profiles of their clients and prospective matches, including information about their dealbreakers and preferences and religious and political ideologies.—
Lauren Fichten,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Officials plan to introduce baseline rules by 2027, with more than 300 detailed standards expected by 2030.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The tech industry has pounced on the idea that robots will soon be sophisticated enough to replace humans in a host of tasks, with more than $3 billion in venture funding going to humanoid development last year.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Flavors Defining the Savory Girl Era The savory girl is sophisticated, with a mature palate that appreciates complex flavors.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Every year this doesn’t happen, Cohen grows more aggravated.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The severity of the weather was aggravated by heat in Chicago, where highs were reaching over 90 degrees.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Fiddle-leaf figs, with their bold, rounded leaves, pair beautifully with round motifs, while palms, with their slender, whispery fronds, are perfect for accenting more delicate or intricate prints.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Almost as soon as it’s completed, this intricate system becomes invisible forever when the foundation and then the building itself are placed over it, leaving no room for errors.—
Vanessa Bates Ramirez,
Scientific American,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The unusual building is even more complex and fascinating when viewed up close, so take time to walk all the way around it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Beyond stellar evolution, the computational techniques developed for the study could help researchers model complex flows in oceans, atmospheres, and even blood circulation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But throughout this first season, the show’s writers have added to and enriched Martin’s material in ways that have deepened the characters and the meaning.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
China also is a critical enabler of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and has reportedly deepened its cooperation with Moscow, particularly for dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The date was set after NASA completed an elaborate fueling test and launch-day walkthrough Thursday, filling its Space Launch System rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and simulating nearly every step of the countdown to liftoff.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
-
CrazyShake will move in from March through May, along with its menu stacked with elaborate milkshakes, including a special edition Mickey Mouse shake.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
