COMPLICATES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

complicates

verb

present tense third-person singular of complicate

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

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 War complicates the domestic front, turning any dissent into treason. —

Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026 This complicates the story that weight-loss marketing is often offering to consumers. —

Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 The Healys go through the everyday motions until Frankie complicates her relationship with Jo (Mickey Hanano Skinner) by catching the eye of handsome new boy Phoenix (Mario Houle). —

Charles Lewis Iii, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Even though Jones has never truly played like a first-round pick and is now recovering from a neck injury that complicates his future, the depth of this class (which was always seen as the strength) is being reinforced by the team’s decision to lock up many of these players to long-term deals. —

Mike Defabo, New York Times, 10 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 But the arrival of Adam — Moon's former costar and Stevie's crush — complicates their family situation even further. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicates

Verb

Roasting peaches intensifies their flavor, and in this old-school recipe, they're mashed and mixed into a rich custard before churning into a creamy, fruit-forward ice cream.

— Patricia S York, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Still, as the day unfolds, the sun's alignment to Pluto intensifies deeper fears around control, recognition and power.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026