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
This inconsistency complicates analysis and may be intentional, amplifying deterrent perception.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Political rhetoric often further complicates the picture.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
This, as Tuttle herself made clear, complicates the festival’s position and how directly officials can express themselves.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
This complicates the potential cause of its transformation if the main star is greedily dragging matter from its companion.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The Sharks are on the periphery of the playoff race but certainly not out of it, which complicates things.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His injury timeline now complicates that.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
The episode generates suspense by foreshadowing a second existential threat—one that intriguingly complicates Sinatra’s motivations with regard to power siphoning.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Its enormous size, for example, complicates the search for a permanent hydrogen leak fix because a massive rocket requires a large flow rate for the fuel — increasing the risk of seepage.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Political rhetoric often further complicates the picture.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
This, as Tuttle herself made clear, complicates the festival’s position and how directly officials can express themselves.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
This complicates the potential cause of its transformation if the main star is greedily dragging matter from its companion.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The Sharks are on the periphery of the playoff race but certainly not out of it, which complicates things.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
His injury timeline now complicates that.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 23 Feb. 2026
The episode generates suspense by foreshadowing a second existential threat—one that intriguingly complicates Sinatra’s motivations with regard to power siphoning.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Its enormous size, for example, complicates the search for a permanent hydrogen leak fix because a massive rocket requires a large flow rate for the fuel — increasing the risk of seepage.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
-
The bills have landed as debate over the future of data center regulation intensifies across the state.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The defeat intensifies pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who already faced a leadership crisis and struggles with cost-of-living challenges.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Season seven raises the stakes, deepens the drama, and brings Eliza and Blake’s journey to a thrilling and satisfying close.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Either way, as totality deepens and the moon grows dimmer, try increasing magnification and focus on some of the moon’s famous features bathed in red light, such as Tycho crater rays and the rugged Apennine Mountains.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Canning industry collapse exacerbates market stress Argentine pears put the squeeze on local fresh market opportunities.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
But while the school funding system fights inequities, the pension funding structure exacerbates them.—
John Cullerton,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
If the concept confuses, check out their podcast.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
-
No one confuses kilowatt-hours with productivity, yet no serious economy flies blind without tracking them.—
Noosheen Hashemi,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While drought impacts water utilities in the Western states more directly, saltwater from coastal flooding worsens groundwater quality, and extreme cold can wear on pipes.—
Charlotte Slovin,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
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The presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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