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
Adding a tool on top of this structure complicates the problem without solving the underlying issue.
—
Aaron Levine, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Armed conflict in the region further complicates efforts to handle the crisis.
—Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
From there, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed sends Maslany’s character along an ever-spiraling and darkening mystery, which entangles her co-workers at the magazine (played by Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg and Charlie Hall), complicates that custody battle, and puts her under ever more pressure.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026
And yet, historical memory complicates that moral clarity.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
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
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
Aaron Levine, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Armed conflict in the region further complicates efforts to handle the crisis.
—Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
From there, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed sends Maslany’s character along an ever-spiraling and darkening mystery, which entangles her co-workers at the magazine (played by Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg and Charlie Hall), complicates that custody battle, and puts her under ever more pressure.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026
And yet, historical memory complicates that moral clarity.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates
Verb
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Martinez de Castro says South Florida’s limited supply of luxury waterfront real estate only intensifies the demand.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Sharing stories As the conversation deepens, the goal is to move past talking points into storytelling.—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
-
OpenAI deepens Amazon ties watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
27 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
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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
-
The backlog of transformers exacerbates this situation.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Artists can be complicated, selfish people, and substance abuse exacerbates these traits for many of them.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Verb
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If a portal confuses you, call the provider, pharmacy or insurance plan directly using the number on your card or the official website.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 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
-
Global economic outlook worsens over Iran war The US and Iran appeared still willing to reach a peace deal despite American strikes and Tehran’s threats of reprisals — but the global economic fallout from the conflict deepened.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
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When oil prices rise because of a supply disruption, as happened in 1973 and 1979, the economy worsens.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complicates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicates. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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