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
What further complicates the picture is a seemingly relentless appetite for trading, which directly benefits a small corner of the financial sector.
—
Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 11 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
The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Christopher argued Pratt’s candidacy also complicates the idea that anyone tied to Hollywood is automatically viewed as part of a disconnected elite.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
And withdrawal from 7-OH can last significantly longer than traditional opioid withdrawal — up to three months — a factor that complicates treatment and increases the risk of relapse, according to the International Society of Substance Use Professionals.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
The surrounding success complicates Ross’ legacy, offsetting somewhat but not erasing his football team’s failures.
—Greg Cote
may 7, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Parks have many moving pieces, and HB1429 complicates the city’s job without offering additional support.
—Jeremy Wolff, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 11 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
The democratization of drone warfare complicates traditional counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, requiring new doctrines, technologies, and legislative frameworks to confront the evolving threat landscape.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Christopher argued Pratt’s candidacy also complicates the idea that anyone tied to Hollywood is automatically viewed as part of a disconnected elite.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
And withdrawal from 7-OH can last significantly longer than traditional opioid withdrawal — up to three months — a factor that complicates treatment and increases the risk of relapse, according to the International Society of Substance Use Professionals.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
The surrounding success complicates Ross’ legacy, offsetting somewhat but not erasing his football team’s failures.
—Greg Cote
may 7, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
Parks have many moving pieces, and HB1429 complicates the city’s job without offering additional support.
—Jeremy Wolff, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
-
The flowers’ blue color intensifies with the summer sun.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
Newsom and other supporters have said the tunnel would protect the state’s water system as climate change intensifies severe droughts and deluges.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline.—
Darko Bandic,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia's Adriatic Sea coastline.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But the stunt goes south as Wooley turns out to be an unabashed bigot who embarrasses the show and gets scolded by the host.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 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
-
The Gallup poll found that around half of Americans report feeling stressed in their daily lives, a factor the American Psychological Association says can further degrade sleep quality, which in turn exacerbates stress.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
-
The scarcity of facilities exacerbates the problem of families having to travel sometimes long distances to visit their disabled children, the court found, further isolating the kids.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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The low-performing chefs are Rhoda, whose lamb confuses the kids; Sherry, whose grits were oddly flavored; and Oscar, whose puff pastry soaked up all the deep-fryer oil.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the illness worsens, more severe symptoms can develop, like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
-
Pain in the hand, wrist and thumb that worsens or prevents you from gripping, pinching or holding items.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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