1
as in complicate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
a complicated apparatus
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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
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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
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2
as in aggravated
to make more severe
asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complicated
Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
His life tells a more complicated story, though.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Researchers at the New York Fed said measuring student loan delinquencies is still complicated by the fact that payments were on pause for four years during the pandemic.
—Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Adjective
Some researchers believed that genes must be complicated proteins.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
His life tells a more complicated story, though.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
The aftermath of a ruling against him also could be complicated, if the government must issue refunds for the tariffs that had collected $195 billion in revenue as of September.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Researchers at the New York Fed said measuring student loan delinquencies is still complicated by the fact that payments were on pause for four years during the pandemic.
—Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
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
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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
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The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
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His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The silk weave and striped pattern are sophisticated in a bohemian kind of way.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
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That third and final generation (2013 through 2017) was sophisticated by comparison to its predecessors, although drivers still had to stir their own six-speed gearbox and work a massive clutch pedal.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Zverev has intermittently heeded the advice, but his last match before the start of the Tour Finals ended in a 6-0, 6-1 shellacking by Sinner, aggravated by swelling in his right ankle.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Purdy aggravated his toe on Levi’s Stadium’s grass in Week 4, so that could happen again anywhere.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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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
Adjective
-
The reality is that housing production is a very complex issue.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
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And the drive to solve complex problems started early.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The latest revolt suggests that months later, despite strong results in last week’s elections, the party’s rift over how to confront the President has only deepened.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
11 Nov. 2025
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The odd online friendship has since evolved into a recurring source of entertainment for followers—and this latest exchange only deepened that fascination.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Theater of Productivity The modern workplace has become a grand theater of productivity, complete with elaborate performances and impressive stage props.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
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However, the tale of a grieving husband and father quickly unraveled as Murdaugh’s laundry list of financial crimes – and elaborate cover-up schemes – against his legal clients came to light.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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