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
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
This method gave the group a rough estimate of the entire world population without having to resort to complicated calculation methods such as integrals.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2025
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Because as Kessler himself has pointed out, space is complicated—sometimes frustratingly so.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Adjective
Fall foliage color is a complicated thing.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
This method gave the group a rough estimate of the entire world population without having to resort to complicated calculation methods such as integrals.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Government shutdowns are a relatively recent phenomenon The appropriations process is notoriously complicated, with each of 12 House and Senate subcommittees required to produce a bill to fund particular areas of the government.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Because as Kessler himself has pointed out, space is complicated—sometimes frustratingly so.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicated
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 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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While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.—
Rachel Wegner,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The technology was sophisticated, but the experience was simply human.—
Medhat Zaki,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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With notes of caramel, maple sugar, and whipped coconut, Ellis Brooklyn’s latest launch proves that sweet can still be sophisticated.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After missing the previous two games, Purdy aggravated his right big toe injury in Sunday’s 26-21 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, calling into question his availability for Thursday’s game at the Los Angeles Rams.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
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Man charged in shooting A man identified in court documents as Jermaine Hall has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention in connection with the shooting.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Lego Wicked Emerald City Wall Art This intricate 1,518-piece Emerald City Lego set is bound to keep adults and kids busy ahead of the new movie.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
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Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development.—
Yangyang Cheng,
NPR,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
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The fossil chemicals in question are a special types of steranes, which are the geologically stable form of sterols, like cholesterol, that are found in the cell membranes of complex organisms.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Solving housing crisis on Earth The current housing crisis is deepened by conventional construction’s inability to meet soaring demand due to its high cost and slow pace.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Sep. 2025
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Gun violence in Missouri The fatal shooting has deepened ongoing fractures in Missouri over the state’s approach to gun violence.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tailgate spots are passed down for generations, tents are outfitted with chandeliers and furniture, and the food goes beyond the basic game day dips with elaborate menus, signature cocktails, and real silverware.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
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Klum already teased this year’s elaborate look sharing three photos of what appeared to be a 3D model in the works.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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