complicate 1 of 2

1
2
as in to deepen
to make more severe asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complicate

2 of 2

adjective

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
Verb
That moment complicated Phaedra’s legacy, casting her as someone capable not only of shade but of real harm. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025 Saturday night’s rotation was complicated with not only Wiggins being out, but also Tyler Herro sidelined by a thigh contusion, only his fourth absence of the season and first since March 5, with the Heat 0-4 in his absence this season. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Trump’s policies, which ignite strong opinions, further complicate collaboration between employees with opposing perspectives. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The provision, critics say, would invite gaming and further complicate tax reporting by creating new reporting requirements about the hours a taxpayer worked. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • Research from psychologists Robert Emmons and Philip Watkins shows that gratitude, especially in moments of hardship, strengthens our emotional well-being and deepens our connections.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 18 Apr. 2025
  • The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The attention to detail allowed Ramsey to immerse themself into the complicated thoughts racing through Ellie’s head as Dina begins making her feelings about Ellie crystal clear.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Oversharing and going dark are hazards of the moon’s complicated clash with Jupiter.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, those with ALS often experience trouble talking, walking, and swallowing, and the symptoms worsen over time.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Rolling back rules will take time, but America’s air quality could worsen in the interim.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Dutch florists provided tens of thousands of flowers in an intricate, colorful layout − a tradition in its 39th year.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Across extremely varied and challenging environments, the intricate stories of penguin species—such as rockhoppers, gentoos, macaronis and Magellanic—are unveiled.
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mariah Carey just pulled a classic mom move by embarrassing her teenage son in front of his friends.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The leaking was intended to embarrass Bork, whose nomination was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate albeit for reasons unrelated to his rental list.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Breathing danger: Health risks from ash Breathing volcanic ash can irritate the throat and lungs, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD.
    David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This capability directly addresses use cases involving the analysis of extensive codebases, the summarization of lengthy documents, or maintaining context in prolonged complex interactions necessary for sophisticated AI agents.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • What to know about the complex, long-simmering civil war Dearlove served as Britain's top spy between 1999 and 2004, when Tony Blair was prime minister.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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