complete 1 of 2

verb

Definition of completenext
1
as in to finish
to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done managed to complete the assignment with time to spare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to complement
to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point the well-attended concert completed a great weekend of arts and entertainment events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to fulfill
to do what is required by the terms of no payments will be made until the contract is completed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complete

2 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈplēt How to pronounce complete (audio)
1
as in entire
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it a complete deck of cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finished
brought or having come to an end your education is never complete—there's always something more to learn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete genius

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in thorough
trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in skilled
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a riding school that will teach you all skills required of the complete equestrian

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb complete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close, conclude, end, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would close be a reasonable alternative to complete?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

In what contexts can conclude take the place of complete?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace complete?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might finish be a better fit than complete?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would terminate be a good substitute for complete?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

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 complete
Verb
Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 The second-year pro completed just 26-of-41 passes for 271 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. —Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Folks looking to get their learner’s permit in Connecticut will have an additional step to complete, according to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 Darnold’s career rehab is complete. —Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
  1. finish
  2. complement
  3. end
  4. fulfill
  5. entire
  6. finished
  7. comprehensive
  8. utter
Verb
  • Seven top-five Cy Young finishes, with one trophy?
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Stoddard was stunned as Kanai got up and finished behind Wang.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • While the Panthers are interested in finding a rangy safety to complement Moehrig, Scott could be back in a rotational role.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That understanding led to the creation of the Tourism Development Tax (TDT), designed as a regional economic development tool to complement the private marketing efforts of our largest theme parks and hotels.
    — Paul S. Mears III, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of complement
Verb
  • Now a rather similar squad is tasked with ending the title drought.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Connor also ended things with Emma after telling her about his strong connection with Bri.
    — Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of end
Verb
  • Androw, owner of E & D Pizza in Avon and a leader on the national pizza scene is known for using pizza for good causes from hunger to fulfilling the wishes of terminally ill children.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Amazon distribution center in Stone Mountain is preparing to fulfill thousands of orders for Cyber Monday.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of fulfill
Adjective
  • Researchers revealed that the project covers the entire development chain – from innovative semiconductors and high-performance power modules to integration into key components such as on-board chargers and traction inverters.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Force-feeding waterways the excess nutrients in fertilizer can upend entire ecosystems and spur algae blooms.
    — Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of entire
Adjective
  • But without a finished 10th novel to work from (Gabaldon is currently in progress on her final Outlander volume, called A Blessing for a Warrior Going Out), Roberts and team had to toe a fine line between honoring the essence of the book series and forging their own path forward.
    — Amy Wilkinson, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Who Sprout is designed for Fauna positions Sprout as a developer-first humanoid platform rather than a finished consumer product.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of finished
Adjective
  • The city plans to roll out a comprehensive outreach campaign so residents are aware of the registration process and can learn more about converting their properties into pollinator gardens.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Desmond Lamb is the executive director of Friends of Yates, a comprehensive community agency in Wyandotte County that operates a domestic violence shelter.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Other than Arturs Silovs, who was sensational between the pipes, and a spirited performance from rookie Ben Kindel, the Penguins produced an utter no-show against a surging Ottawa team.
    — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The content suggests yet another another instance of ICE's utter depravity.
    — JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of utter

Browse Nearby Words

complements
complete
completed
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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complete

Nglish: Translation of complete for Spanish Speakers

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