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
Opponents, however, see the measure as overly reliant on standardized testing that doesn’t account for complicating factors like poverty, class size and access to resources. Jack Harvel july 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 Iran's campaign was further complicated by geopolitical tensions. Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
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 Revenue-sharing terms, cloud exclusivity arrangements, and the ongoing Elon Musk fraud lawsuit against OpenAI all complicate what is otherwise an extraordinary paper return. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • If employees are expected to produce the same output in less time without better systems in place, the pressure simply intensifies.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Europe's automotive industry faces a severe crisis, intensified by the EU's 2035 electric vehicle mandate and fierce Chinese competition.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
    Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The Chicago White Sox, a team many left for dead at the start of the year, embarrassed the Kansas City Royals Friday night, 22-1.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • But combined with Disney‘s embarrassing The Mandalorian and Grogu influencer stunt that backfired, a movie’s first reactions on social media are increasingly being met with equal amounts of fan skepticism.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.
    Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alabama man creates intricate America 250 lawn art In Trussville, Alabama, one homeowner turned his front yard into a patriotic canvas.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Her custom ceremony Galia Lahav dress was designed with intricate lace details and an exaggerated silhouette at the hips.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • And Wednesday’s doubleheader — thanks to a Monday rainout that perplexed Counsell — certainly didn’t help the pitching staff.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The prospect of a lost season would aggravate some members of Congress and their constituents.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
  • Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.
    Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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