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
Critics counter that ranked choice helps candidates game the system, complicates the process, disenfranchises voters such as older adults and communities of color, and takes longer to count, which could fuel conspiracy theories.
—
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
The instinctive Moon settles into your 4th House of Home, while rule-making Saturn in your 11th House of Friends sets structure, creating a quincunx that complicates plans and messages.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
Meanwhile, George is set to become extension-eligible this offseason fresh off a breakout campaign, which further complicates Utah's long-term financial outlook.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
But factoring in the background complicates all that, the scout said.
—Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 16 June 2026
War complicates the domestic front, turning any dissent into treason.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
And yet the federalist structure of our government — largely giving states the power to determine their own fates — complicates that idea.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
There's also a real risk of losing income or savings if a judgment is issued against you, which further complicates the issue.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Chronic pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable lung condition where scarring of the lung tissue complicates breathing, per People.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 June 2026
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
The instinctive Moon settles into your 4th House of Home, while rule-making Saturn in your 11th House of Friends sets structure, creating a quincunx that complicates plans and messages.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
Meanwhile, George is set to become extension-eligible this offseason fresh off a breakout campaign, which further complicates Utah's long-term financial outlook.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
But factoring in the background complicates all that, the scout said.
—Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 16 June 2026
War complicates the domestic front, turning any dissent into treason.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
And yet the federalist structure of our government — largely giving states the power to determine their own fates — complicates that idea.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
There's also a real risk of losing income or savings if a judgment is issued against you, which further complicates the issue.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Chronic pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable lung condition where scarring of the lung tissue complicates breathing, per People.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
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Very dry weather tends to lead to higher temperatures, which causes more evaporation that intensifies the drought—leading to even drier conditions, Myers explained.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
-
Taiwan’s defense ministry on Sunday announced a five-day combat readiness exercise as China intensifies military activity around the island.—
Lauren Morganbesser,
semafor.com,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
The latest analysis only deepens the mystery.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
-
The moves come as Gersh deepens its investment in creator representation, brand partnerships and digital-first business development.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
Graft inquiry embarrasses Zelensky Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said in a Telegram announcement that the investigation into Yermak is ongoing.—
Hanna Arhirova,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mercury aggravates Jupiter, intensifying your vulnerability in creative or romantic situations.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Flood conditions in Northern Lower Michigan have become increasingly dire in recent days, as heavy rainfall aggravates the winter snowmelt in the region.—
Terrance Friday,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 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
-
Dehydration also exacerbates the risk.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
Heat and moisture accumulate around the leaves, stems, and roots of plants, and supplementing soil with acetate exacerbates the risk of microbial contamination.—
Derek Norman,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
There is a version of leadership that confuses visibility with impact, equating big initiatives and dramatic turnarounds with strong leadership.—
Monica Cutia,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
The whole concept of toxic fandom confuses me because, outside of the anger and backwards thinking, because who cares about a movie franchise that much?—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Verb
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And don't pulverize clay into dust—this worsens soil compaction.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
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This worsens the inflammatory response to the initial infection, according to Fleming, who was not involved in the study.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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