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
His entrance in the race could further complicate an endorsement pick by Trump. Maria Recio, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 In 1976, Eleanor Coppola filmed her husband Francis Ford Coppola’s challenges shooting Apocalypse Now (1979), capturing the real world difficulties that complicate the filmmaking process. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 July 2025
Adjective
Left unmanaged, these issues can disrupt family dynamics, derail careers, deplete wealth and complicate legacy planning. John Samuels, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Shifting trade policies, geopolitical risks, supply shortages and evolving regulatory landscapes all complicate decision-making. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • His remarks signal that military co-operation between Moscow and Pyongyang is likely to deepen.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • This kind of downtime is rare for both of them, and it’s really allowed their bond to deepen.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • While these may seem a bit too complicated for children, the kit is specifically designed for budding engineers aged 8 to 14 and includes easy-to-understand, age-appropriate instructions.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • That stark reality, Wood said, was part of what compelled him to write the book Among the lessons Wood discusses are the importance of healthy communication, the role of community support and the insights drawn from his own complicated relationship with his father.
    Essence, Essence, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Limited Warning Time and Rapid Onset Many of the flash floods happened very quickly, often within minutes of rainfall intensifying.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Kenya’s government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Bayeux Museum in Normandy indicates that the intricate tapestry features 626 characters, 37 buildings, 41 ships and 202 horses and mules.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • Featuring over 3,000 glazed tile mosaics, fresco panels, intricate filigree and brickwork, the wall also encompasses vivid and colorful illustrations of angels and demons, humans and birds, hunting and battle scenes, not to mention plentiful floral and geometric motifs.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.
    Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • His financial problems were aggravated by a nationwide economic downturn in 1873.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Under Colorado statute, blighted properties are areas that are hazardous to public health, impede housing and aggravate traffic problems, among several other factors.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The espresso martini is arguably delicious, just complex enough and pulls double duty with alcohol and caffeine.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • The president acknowledged that resolving the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine is proving to be more complex than anticipated.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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