1
as in to complex
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 complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
the kind of complicate machinery that is used in the field of robotics
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 complicate
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The situation is further complicated by her mother’s best friend, who has taken on a co-parenting role that feels more like an alliance against her.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 May 2025
Paul Avey, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Verb
The closure of field offices and internal departments also complicates access for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
The situation is further complicated by her mother’s best friend, who has taken on a co-parenting role that feels more like an alliance against her.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
There are extensive drawbacks to using nuclear weapons, including their very destructiveness—which could undermine larger objectives or complicate battlefield operations—and the international backlash that would follow.
—Paul Avey, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
-
As Meech and Terry confront new enemies and deal with the consequences of their time in Mexico, the tension between them deepens, testing a bond that once felt unbreakable.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
6 June 2025
-
In that film, Cazale is visibly sick, but that only deepens his performance as the sad fool in a macho band of brothers.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, however, there have been new revelations in their complicated family dynamics.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
3 June 2025
-
But every one of those steps was much more complicated for abelian surfaces.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global disruptions have highlighted the fragility of our food systems and have intensified competition while simultaneously opening new markets.—
Persa Sakellaridi,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
In New York City, activists have intensified their efforts to protest the rising number of migrant deportations, staging multiple demonstrations in opposition of the administration’s controversial moves against immigrants.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
There are also mental health impacts with worsening anxiety, stress, and depression in the hotter summer months.—
Jamie Hailstone,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
Relations have only worsened in recent years, as Beijing has leveraged its budding economic and military power to ramp up pressure on its neighbor.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
The subtle hum of intricate mechanics, the remarkably articulate gesture of a synthetic limb, the disquieting echo of human movement – humanoid robots are no longer relegated to the realm of fiction.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
An avid builder and gamer, Max loves constructing intricate creations with LEGOs and diving into videogame worlds where his creativity can roam free.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
-
The intense confrontation both in the South Korean Parliament and among the public over Yoon's fateful act has aggravated the country's political polarization and shaken South Koreans' confidence in their democracy.—
Se Eun Gong,
NPR,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
But compelling as the narrative may be at first blush, the realities on the ground—and in the supply chain—paint a far more complex picture.—
Tim Bajarin,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Musk’s post threw another hurdle in front of Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s already complex task to pass a bill in time for Trump to achieve his goal of signing it by July 4.—
Jonathan J. Cooper,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share