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
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Recent Examples of complicated
Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The mix of joy and anxiety among the Iranian diaspora in recent days reflects the complicated emotions many feel as violence escalates in the Middle East — especially those whose families fled the theocratic regime that took power after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026
Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
Knowing how to calm themselves down, cheer themselves up, or face their fears can be complicated for little ones.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Adjective
Ultimately, the project won approval amid a complicated compromise in which DuPage legislators offered help to the Chicago bloc in passing World’s Fair and McCormick Place bills in exchange for approval of the tollway, which opened in 1989.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The mix of joy and anxiety among the Iranian diaspora in recent days reflects the complicated emotions many feel as violence escalates in the Middle East — especially those whose families fled the theocratic regime that took power after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
But the picture is complicated by the war in Iran, China’s longtime strategic partner.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
Knowing how to calm themselves down, cheer themselves up, or face their fears can be complicated for little ones.
—Amy Morin, Parents, 4 Mar. 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
-
Future studies using more detailed climate models will explore how these processes interact and whether the salt effect remains strong under more realistic conditions.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The legislation included a detailed governance structure that satisfied lenders’ by giving the borrower, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, control over decision making for three years after the deal closed.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Aritzia Generation Crepette Blazer is effortlessly sophisticated, with an oversized yet slim silhouette that can be dressed up or down.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
-
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
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
-
Guard Anfernee Simons aggravated a fracture in his left wrist during Saturday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons while attempting to work through a screen.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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
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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
Verb
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Geopolitical tensions deepened after Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father, Ali Khamenei, as supreme leader - a move seen as a clear signal that hardliners remain firmly in control in Tehran.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Political post-mortem after post-mortem has deepened a cold war between progressives and moderates, fueling ongoing debates over President Joe Biden’s handling of the Gaza war, inflation, and the cost of living.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Just offshore, Mafia Island Marine Park is home to vibrant coral reef systems and elaborate trenches ideal for diving.—
Melanie van Zyl,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was sent before the United Nations with an elaborate prop arsenal of faulty intelligence, photos, charts, and power point presentations, all ostensibly proving that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction.—
Gene Collier,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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