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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggravated
to make more severe
asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of complicated
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Burning Man organizers have just released information on the festival’s intensely confusing and complicated ticketing program.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
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
As the series plays out, both Anna and Jack become suspects due to their complicated pasts with each victim.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Burning Man organizers have just released information on the festival’s intensely confusing and complicated ticketing program.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
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
-
Timeless, sophisticated, with a rich blue-green hue, this European silver fir delivers the beauty of Europe’s mountain ranges in a box—and without the constant mess.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Nov. 2025
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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
Verb
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Prater aggravated his previous quadriceps injury Sunday.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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Sweet was initially arrested on suspicion of felony aggravated DUI, but a criminal complaint filed by the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office shows he was charged with vehicular manslaughter.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Jan. 2026
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
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most of its joints can rotate fully, giving it flexibility for tight or complex spaces.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When the results came back benign, Reece’s anxiety only deepened.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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When oil prices slid and mismanagement came due, the country staggered into hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration, culminating in a full‑blown humanitarian crisis that outlived Chávez and deepened under his successor, Nicolás Maduro.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cooking elaborate healthy meals is one of those aspirational goals that lives in a world where time is infinite.—
Andrea Strong,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Jan. 2026
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After being laid off from his longtime job at a paper mill, Man-su (Lee Byung Hun) creates an elaborate scheme to murder his potential competitors for another job.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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