1
as in difficulty
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
complications set in after the surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in complexity
the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects
a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complication
Dane, meanwhile, died from complications of ALS in early 2026.
—
Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles County in September reported the death of a school-age child from a complication of measles.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
After enduring a long list of health complications, Johnson said, Nolte died on July 8, 2020.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
While the topic can be difficult to discuss, having a clear plan in place helps prevent confusion among family members and reduces legal complications.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles County in September reported the death of a school-age child from a complication of measles.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
After enduring a long list of health complications, Johnson said, Nolte died on July 8, 2020.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
While the topic can be difficult to discuss, having a clear plan in place helps prevent confusion among family members and reduces legal complications.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complication
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complication
Noun
-
After mixed results from these initial high-profile tastings, many startup companies retreated behind closed doors amid funding difficulties and political pushback from states.—
Jaia Clingham-David,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Apr. 2026
-
On top of physical and mental challenges, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can cause behavioral issues like compulsive behaviors and difficulty controlling emotions.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Researchers still do not fully understand why some women with endometriosis struggle to conceive while others do not, and treating the disease does not reliably restore fertility.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Reddy told Fox News Digital that salmonella bacteria can only be killed by cooking a raw egg — and the disease's symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Those compounds give bran its tannic edge, its signature complexity with the dark roast notes of coffee and the deep purple of red wine.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Together in a bowl or plate, beans and greens have enough complexity and umami to please carnivores and vegetarians alike.—
Michelle Huneven,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Brown was ruled out with Achilles tendonitis, the same ailment that sidelined him for wins over Atlanta and Charlotte late last month.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Autoimmune diseases—a broad and complex category of ailments including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes—have long puzzled researchers.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Due to a mix of injuries, illness and Paul George’s 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, Philadelphia had all of its top four players (Embiid, George, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe) available for just 20 games this season.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Online newspapers have pushed alerts with the smallest developments about Timmy's health including updates on its bad skin condition, which is related to the Baltic Sea's low salt content.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
As a condition of her release, Portugues is prohibited from possessing or using any type of gun.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And this one guy at this one firm can't solve all of his industry's ills.—
Sam Yellowhorse Kesler,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Even as professional coders are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the power of AI coding tools, many end users still see them as a boogeyman to instantly blame for any and all observed ills in the tech industry.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the bills would create a pilot program for psychedelic or psilocybin mushrooms to be used in medicine for the treatment of mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His health had been in decline for years due to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complication. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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