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
The relationship between King Charles and his son Harry has been complicated for a while. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 23 Apr. 2025 The stark warning highlights the fact that tariffs could complicate the Fed’s rate-cutting path. John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Trump’s policies, which ignite strong opinions, further complicate collaboration between employees with opposing perspectives. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The provision, critics say, would invite gaming and further complicate tax reporting by creating new reporting requirements about the hours a taxpayer worked. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicate
Verb
  • In today’s environment—where diners increasingly ask where food comes from—this trend gives operators a way to deepen authenticity, connection, and trust. #4 Diner Designed Menus that listen, meals that engage The rise of personalization isn’t new.
    Unilever Food Solutions Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump and Zuckerberg have a complicated history, with the president being critical of the Silicon Valley CEO's management of online censorship, which culminated in a ban from Meta platforms after the January 6 riots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Oversharing and going dark are hazards of the moon’s complicated clash with Jupiter.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, 92% of workers are concerned about a potential recession, and 52% foresee burnout rates worsening this year.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Dutch florists provided tens of thousands of flowers in an intricate, colorful layout − a tradition in its 39th year.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • At its core, quilting involves stitching together layers of fabric, often in intricate patterns, to create both beautiful and functional items.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Breathing danger: Health risks from ash Breathing volcanic ash can irritate the throat and lungs, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD.
    David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This capability directly addresses use cases involving the analysis of extensive codebases, the summarization of lengthy documents, or maintaining context in prolonged complex interactions necessary for sophisticated AI agents.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • As complex as my feelings about her are, almost no relationship has shaped me more.
    Ling Ling Huang, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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