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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complicates
The landmark debut — and the potential capacity squeeze caused by other blockbuster listings in the pipeline, such as OpenAI — further complicates the outlook for Europe's IPO space, which is already grappling with ongoing bond market volatility and the prospect of looming interest rate hikes.
—
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 19 May 2026
What complicates this form of identification is what happened the following year.
—Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Uber's case complicates that argument.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
This part of the country has also been engulfed in a yearslong conflict, which complicates outbreak responses.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 17 May 2026
The shift from open, nonpartisan primaries to a closed system also complicates Cassidy's road to victory.
—Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 16 May 2026
According to the company, this increases costs, limits flexibility, and complicates maintenance.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
All this complicates a tug toward pure nostalgia.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Officials said overcrowding increases animal stress, spreads illness and complicates daily care.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 19 May 2026
What complicates this form of identification is what happened the following year.
—Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Uber's case complicates that argument.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
This part of the country has also been engulfed in a yearslong conflict, which complicates outbreak responses.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 17 May 2026
The shift from open, nonpartisan primaries to a closed system also complicates Cassidy's road to victory.
—Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 16 May 2026
According to the company, this increases costs, limits flexibility, and complicates maintenance.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
All this complicates a tug toward pure nostalgia.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Officials said overcrowding increases animal stress, spreads illness and complicates daily care.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
-
Ocean spot freight rates increased by double digits this week as ocean carriers tack on more emergency fuel surcharges and begin setting up peak season surcharges, even as China intensifies regulatory scrutiny over carriers’ freight rate transparency and filing practices.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
The 1922 agreement that divided the water among the states doled out more than was actually flowing, and since 2000, the river has shrunk dramatically as climate change intensifies dry conditions in the Rocky Mountains.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The nostalgia trip deepens into adolescent memories of 2000s tech touchpoints.—
Nathan Evans,
Pitchfork,
12 May 2026
-
Don’t skip the almond extract—a small splash deepens the cherry flavor and gives the filling its bakery-style aroma.—
Claire Saffitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 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
-
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
-
Artists can be complicated, selfish people, and substance abuse exacerbates these traits for many of them.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
-
The course’s only chance at truly defending against low scores is these greens making life difficult, and that only exacerbates Burns’ advantage.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Nobody ever confuses two white NASCAR drivers!—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
The odor masks the scent of animals' preferred vegetables and confuses insect pests, including aphids, carrot flies, cabbage worms and loopers, spider mites, thrips, and Japanese beetles.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
This can create a cycle where stress worsens physical symptoms and, in turn, the symptoms increase stress and anxiety.—
Suchandrima Bhowmik,
Health,
15 May 2026
-
The steps taken in the hours and days after receiving that notice can play a major role in determining how much income is protected, and, ultimately, whether the situation worsens or becomes more manageable.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
