1
as in intensifies
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deepens
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 complicates
Second, instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border complicates regional connectivity and economic integration initiatives, including projects linked to broader Central and South Asia.
—
Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
By probing deeper into outer-borough New York and its agrarian history, White complicates our traditional understanding of slavery as rural and southern, showing how memories of that peculiar institution shape contemporary urban life as well.
—Omari Weekes, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Brown, in this revival, enriches and complicates the tensions that already exist in LaChiusa and Wolfe’s text.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Normally, this might prompt the Fed to lower interest rates to boost the economy, but stubbornly high inflation complicates that decision, especially with the energy shock triggered by the war in Iran, NPR's Scott Horsley says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
Musk merger complicates SpaceX IPO watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
The problem complicates SpaceX’s work, too.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 12 Mar. 2026
That complicates the narrative for a president who prides himself on record-high stocks, low borrowing costs and a weaker dollar for boosting manufacturing.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
The Afeela 1’s timing no doubt complicates this situation.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
By probing deeper into outer-borough New York and its agrarian history, White complicates our traditional understanding of slavery as rural and southern, showing how memories of that peculiar institution shape contemporary urban life as well.
—Omari Weekes, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Brown, in this revival, enriches and complicates the tensions that already exist in LaChiusa and Wolfe’s text.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026
Normally, this might prompt the Fed to lower interest rates to boost the economy, but stubbornly high inflation complicates that decision, especially with the energy shock triggered by the war in Iran, NPR's Scott Horsley says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026
Musk merger complicates SpaceX IPO watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
The problem complicates SpaceX’s work, too.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 12 Mar. 2026
That complicates the narrative for a president who prides himself on record-high stocks, low borrowing costs and a weaker dollar for boosting manufacturing.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
The Afeela 1’s timing no doubt complicates this situation.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
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This salad offers a fresh alternative—roasting it, which intensifies the honey notes of the plantain.—
Andre Fowles,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Artificial intelligence intensifies this narrowing.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile the airport crisis deepens.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
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Those words — simple, direct, enduring — carry the unmistakable weight of a lesson passed down from parent to child, one that only deepens in meaning with loss.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Smoke from wildfires penetrates deep into the lungs and aggravates respiratory disease more than any other type of pollution.—
Becky Upham,
EverydayHealth.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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In the extreme off-chance that Darnold doesn’t play or aggravates the injury, the Seahawks would call upon Drew Lock, who has just three regular season passing attempts on the year.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If the swelling in your lungs exacerbates, however, a dangerous condition called high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur.—
Brad Stulberg,
Outside,
26 Mar. 2026
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This comes as local officials across Massachusetts hold challenging conversations around potential budget cuts, as diminishing state aid exacerbates growing municipal costs.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Go somewhere that confuses your algorithm.—
Kevin Sintumuang,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
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An actress in 1962 Cuban, as its missiles crisis rages, confuses her role in a film and real life.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Distress could spread to countries beyond the Gulf if dire conditions prompt residents to flee across borders and infrastructure damage worsens a global oil shock, analysts said.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
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In this case, your sweat is wasted and actually worsens the situation by failing to cool your body and contributing to dehydration.—
Brad Stulberg,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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