1
as in intensifying
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 deepening
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 complicating
Further complicating the case was the revelation from San Jose police in November 2023 that McNamara participated in a trove of racist text messages sent between him and an active SJPD officer and a separate former officer.
—
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
This is a design that serves your rhythms instead of complicating them.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Hartnett argued that the macro backdrop is complicating the usual contrarian playbook.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Elhawary acknowledged the billionaire tax proposal is a complicating factor in discussions about taxes, which is already a politically fraught issue.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Partnerships between public and private entities that were forged during the early days continue to support the event, but as with any public gathering, challenges from the outside were complicating their plans.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Khatun said the deterioration in security is complicating efforts to revive the economy after months of disruption.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2025
Another complicating factor could be the presence of additional revenue measures on the November 2026 ballot, including a possible measure to raise the sales tax countywide.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Auteur director Park Chan-wook makes a meal of this concept in Decision to Leave, a romantic thriller in which a detective (Park Hae-il) develops an obsession with an enigmatic widow (Tang Wei) whose husband recently fell to his death, severely complicating the investigation.
—Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
This is a design that serves your rhythms instead of complicating them.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Hartnett argued that the macro backdrop is complicating the usual contrarian playbook.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Elhawary acknowledged the billionaire tax proposal is a complicating factor in discussions about taxes, which is already a politically fraught issue.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Partnerships between public and private entities that were forged during the early days continue to support the event, but as with any public gathering, challenges from the outside were complicating their plans.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Khatun said the deterioration in security is complicating efforts to revive the economy after months of disruption.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2025
Another complicating factor could be the presence of additional revenue measures on the November 2026 ballot, including a possible measure to raise the sales tax countywide.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Auteur director Park Chan-wook makes a meal of this concept in Decision to Leave, a romantic thriller in which a detective (Park Hae-il) develops an obsession with an enigmatic widow (Tang Wei) whose husband recently fell to his death, severely complicating the investigation.
—Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicating
Verb
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The intensifying clash adds another dimension to the fight over Epstein, raising new questions about the limits of congressional power to compel testimony.—
Stephen Groves,
Fortune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Meeks, head of technology research at Freedom Capital Markets, said Nvidia’s funk is a consequence of the fears that began over the summer around circular AI investing, GPU depreciation, and intensifying competition in the chipmaking space from Big Tech peers such as Google and Amazon .—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But there were bright spots, too, including awe-inspiring concerts; trips to different cities and countries; and deepening friendships over card games, meals and dancing until the wee hours.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Anjula Acharia is deepening her partnership with Warner Music Group, launching a new management entity under the 5 Junction umbrella less than a year after establishing the label.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation.—
Ara H. Merjian,
Artforum,
1 Jan. 2026
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Even more than the finished show, this eerie, perplexing multi-Gaga spectacle feels like a glimpse into her subconscious.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The shipments come as Cuba faces a worsening energy crisis, marked by rolling blackouts, fuel shortages, and mounting economic strain.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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For example, avoiding deep cleaning areas of your home can lead to worsening build-up of soap scum, bacteria, and other accumulating atrocities that can damage surfaces, bedding, plumbing, and even your appliances.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some mushroom bills backfired when their true impacts became known, embarrassing legislators who voted for them, and forcing them to backtrack.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ahead of the front, temperatures surged into the 80s, breaking daily heat records over the past two days, while breezy conditions spread a haze of cedar pollen across Austin, aggravating seasonal allergies for many residents.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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Gordon practiced for the first time in over a month on Wednesday after aggravating a groin injury.—
Matt Zahn,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Canales-Pelaez said that local departments may be confusing administrative warrants with criminal ones, or overcomplying to avoid backlash from the state Legislature.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the power can still be politically entangling.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
16 Nov. 2025
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Linking quantum computers to create powerful, high-speed quantum networks involves entangling atoms through a fiber cable.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicating. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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