INCOMPLETE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

incomplete

adjective

ˌin-kəm-ˈplēt

Definition of incomplete

as in deficient

lacking some necessary part an incomplete puzzle that has several pieces missing

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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 incomplete The origins of the coronavirus pandemic remain contested; the evidence is incomplete. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 Court reporters say the job can be performed only by a human being, who can intervene to ensure everyone is heard and who bears responsibility if a transcript is missing or incomplete. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 The board said some documentation surrounding older work was incomplete. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Her life remains a poignant reminder that America’s promise of liberty was still painfully incomplete for many who believed in it most. — Robin Follman, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incomplete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incomplete

Adjective

Drought covered virtually the entire Plains, destroying crops with deficient rainfall, high temperatures, high winds, insect infestations and dust storms.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Many people included in these studies may not have been deficient in vitamin D or calcium to begin with.

— Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026

Definition of deficient

Adjective

Utah taxes Social Security benefits as regular income, offering a partial credit to offset them.

— Scott Cohn, CNBC, 9 July 2026
The board didn’t approve the building of a private club or the partial demolition requested of a wall that would allow the space to open up to the outside.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of partial

Adjective

Research on attention residue in 2009 found that part of the mind remains attached to an unfinished task even after switching, which degrades performance on whatever comes next.

— Faustino Júnior, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
McBride places the unfinished hat on my head for a brief fit check, aligning it to the center of my face before lifting it away again.

— Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Definition of unfinished

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incompetents

incomplete

incompletely

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“Incomplete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incomplete. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of incomplete

adjective

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