complicate 1 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌkāt How to pronounce complicate (audio)
Definition of complicatenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

ˈkäm-pli-kət How to pronounce complicate (audio)
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

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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
Verb
The controversy complicates its legacy, but its influence on contemporary dining is undeniable. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The most recent conflict erupted when Harrison began to erect an 8-foot-tall fence across portions of his property line, complicating access for those with rights to enter the land, blocking wildlife movement and causing erosion. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Fires in salt cedar can create spotting conditions and complicate suppression efforts, especially on windy days, when embers are carried ahead of containment lines, according to the department. — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 4 May 2026 Trump’s announcement, suggesting the US would police ships that have paid Iran a toll to transit the waterway, threatens to escalate naval activity and further complicate countries’ efforts to get energy from the region. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
  1. intensify
  2. deepen
  3. complicated
  4. embarrass
  5. worsen
  6. intricate
  7. perplex
  8. aggravate
Verb
  • The complex political and economic climate has only intensified their desire to invest their own time and resources in uplifting other Latino and Hispanic creatives.
    — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Their push intensified as questions emerged about district contracts and payments involving a consultant with ties to Sneed.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensify
Verb
  • What began as a rebellion against broken classrooms has become a test of whether France can reconcile its costly promises with its financial reality before the divisions consuming its schools deepen further.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • His lore is also deepened, the kills get more intense, all good stuff.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of deepen
Adjective
  • International funding, Patil says, means long waits, complicated contracts and co-production treaties, and Indian filmmakers end up chasing the same grants as professionals from wealthier countries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Birmingham Industrious, unassuming Birmingham has overcome an at-times fraught and complicated past to develop food, music, and cultural scenes that show the world why it's called the Magic City.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of complicated
Verb
  • But the Yanks are hot after embarrassing Boston with 9-0 and 9-2 victories in the Wild Card round.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Philadelphia embarrassed itself in a non-competitive loss at Chicago on Monday night, unable to go drive-for-drive with journeyman quarterback Case Keenum, a 38-year-old backup’s backup.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of embarrass
Verb
  • The concern is, if the trade wars continue or worsen, that there will be an even steeper decline to the industry area was built on.
    — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Those issues worsened when sixth-year receiver Ben Ford exited Saturday’s game at halftime with an injury, after already recording four catches for 45 yards.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of worsen
Adjective
  • Many of the things that make reactors so difficult to operate—intricate regulations, along with complex systems for management and maintenance—are exactly the kinds of tasks that AI is good at.
    — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Mungiu may have a less sadistic streak and a more active camera, but the two filmmakers share a particular commitment to narrative indeterminacy, devising intricate yet incomplete crime-story plots that function broadly as sociopolitical allegories.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of intricate
Verb
  • California‘s seven Supreme Court justices appeared by turns perplexed by and incredulous of those theories during oral arguments last month.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • Unfortunately, Delane aggravated a shoulder injury on that play and was unable to return to action in that game, the season opener at Arrowhead.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Yankees are also cautious about Judge on a turf field, which could further aggravate the injury.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggravate

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complicate
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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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