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
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 complication
Left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications, particularly in women.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
For one, a high fever during early pregnancy has in some cases been linked to potential complications for the fetus, including neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
Shearer recently spoke to PEOPLE about recovering from complications from breast cancer and her breast reconstruction.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Then came yet another complication.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
For one, a high fever during early pregnancy has in some cases been linked to potential complications for the fetus, including neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
Shearer recently spoke to PEOPLE about recovering from complications from breast cancer and her breast reconstruction.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Then came yet another complication.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complication
Noun
-
House Speaker Mike Johnson already faced difficulties getting legislation across the finish line with a razor-thin GOP majority.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Though the travel brings perks, the exec also admitted to facing an enormous amount of difficulty while trying to make Ballad in Macau, China, where the film is set.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Health experts have underscored that the best protection against the disease is the vaccine, either given alone or as part of a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot or a measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The immunizations in question are for school-aged children, protecting against infections and diseases like tetanus, polio, measles and whooping cough.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Each unisex fragrance reimagines a classic note with complexity and a twist—vanilla and amber in 45°, iris with woods in Midnight Omen, and leather with oud in Mystique—brought to life by renowned perfumers Émilie Bouge and Yann Vasnier.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
23 Sep. 2025
-
This issue is usually solved by adding protective layers, but those layers increase both the cost and complexity of the batteries.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle have missed their last two games due to toe and hamstring ailments, respectively.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Death certificates often attributed fatalities among older people to ailments like heart failure instead of falls, making fall mortality appear lower in the 1980s and 1990s.—
Paula Span,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In real life, Anne was reported to have suffered from a degenerative illness for most of her life.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
-
So, lowering the risk of hospitalization and major illness for the pregnant person is another way in which the COVID-19 vaccine can lead to safer, healthier pregnancies and births.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Officials did not give any details on the man’s medical condition.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Poor weather and battlefield obscurants continue to endanger warfighters as adversaries rely on these conditions to escape attacks.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Orbán has long sought to consolidate his power through concocting scapegoats for Hungary’s ills.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Held at the Abrons Arts Center, a core program within the Henry Street Settlement, Bittar created his vision of a Nineties-era beauty pageant in a commentary reflecting current-day societal ills, primarily aimed at the LGBTQ community, notably trans women and women in general.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For children, exposure to enough lead for weeks to months could cause permanent damage to their central nervous system, resulting in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems, the federal agency added.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complication. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share