complicate matters

phrase

: to make a situation more complicated
To (further) complicate matters, they both have the same name.

Examples of complicate matters in a Sentence

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To complicate matters the term is also used in a non-derogatory manner to refer to a small African-descended ethnic minority in Sri Lanka. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 Paying creditors out of personal funds could complicate matters, particularly if the estate ultimately bears responsibility. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026 To further complicate matters, a High Court ruling on Harry’s privacy claim against the publisher of The Daily Mail is expected to be handed down on July 7. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Rhymes for complicate matters

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Browse Nearby Words

complicatedness
complicate matters
complicateness
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Cite this Entry

“Complicate matters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complicate%20matters. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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