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complicate 1 of 2

Definition of complicatenext
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
Silver can benefit from the same environment, but its industrial exposure complicates things. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 Partnerships between public and private entities that were forged during the early days continue to support the event, but as with any public gathering, challenges from the outside were complicating their plans. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Families today are more anchored: two-income households complicate moves, aging demographics keep older homeowners in place, and many are locked into mortgage rates under 4%, unwilling to trade up into costlier loans. Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The shift would send states scrambling and complicate parents’ efforts to get young children vaccinated ahead of the coming respiratory virus season. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • Grappling hooks, 30-foot ladder The Sigourney Street tower’s decline began deepening in 2024 with the proliferation of graffiti and tagging, much of which was later removed from the brick exterior.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Tensions between China and Japan are deepening as a diplomatic row over Taiwan morphs into an urgent economic conflict.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But, the good news is that cleaning shower grout isn't complicated.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • So there are a lot of complicated emotions and a mixture of emotions happening, as well as gestures.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The chaos intensified after someone threw a snowball.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The city said the decision was a result of several years worth of mounting safety concerns, ordinance violations and residential complaints about the vacant structure’s worsening state.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The immense costs associated with the program have only worsened the economic situation, leading to a more stifling environment.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The receiver and its forensic accountant scrutinized the activities of just seven entities that Acharya and his company controlled, a review that revealed an intricate web of dealings by the real estate executive.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The intricate gown required 323 hours to make and features roughly 200 embroidered elements.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Following their December meeting and their split-decision to cut rates, some policymakers favored cuts to head off further weakness in the labor market, and others thought that the easing had gone far enough and threatens to aggravate inflation.
    Zev Fima,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Ahead of the front, temperatures surged into the 80s, breaking daily heat records over the past two days, while breezy conditions spread a haze of cedar pollen across Austin, aggravating seasonal allergies for many residents.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Most of its joints can rotate fully, giving it flexibility for tight or complex spaces.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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