complete 1 of 2

1
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

complete

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3
4
5
6

Try This Instead

For
Try This
complete information
detailed information
true information
correct information
comprehensive information
full information
complete understanding
perfect understanding
full understanding
absolute understanding
sufficient understanding
total understanding
complete coverage
total coverage
full coverage
enough coverage
excellent coverage
over-all coverage
a complete list
a detailed list
an extensive list
an exhaustive list
a definitive list
a conclusive list
complete lack
total lack

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
On Wednesday, the pontiff spent time following spiritual exercises in the Vatican, receiving the Eucharist, praying and completing physical therapy. Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 Boston could look to swing another blockbuster trade to land a former Cy Young winner to help complete their pitching staff. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
At this age, kids can do their own laundry, cook complete meals, babysit younger siblings, and manage personal budgets. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025 Check out a complete 2025 NWSL season schedule here. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • For much of that extraordinary season, when Newcastle also finished fourth in the Premier League, Isak and Wilson pushed each other on, but for the final, neither was in prime shape.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • She was then hired as an associate news editor on the Variety.com digital team while still finishing her undergraduate degree.
    William Earl, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Thoughtful, modern touches, like bespoke lighting, leather-upholstered beds, and custom furniture from Italian designers and artisans, complement the property’s historic character.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Belichick, looking dapper in New England Patriots colors, complemented his look with multiple Super Bowl rings.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The goal here is, the only way out to end this war is to negotiate out of it.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Two previous deals that sought to end the strike failed to bring back enough guards to declare an end to the labor action.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If love, romance, or self-expression have felt confusing, this is the time to reassess what truly fulfills you.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In recent months, the city agreed to fulfill two grant agreements with O Cinema — one for $25,831 and one for $54,071 — and has already paid half of those amounts, according to the proposal.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bravura performances flow to the ear and eye from pretty much the entire company.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Below is the entire schedule for the NCAA tournament games in 2025.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ware, 20, is still far from a finished product and has plenty of room to improve, though.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The fired and finished mugs are available about three weeks later.
    Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists there were able to extract DNA from the evidence and develop a comprehensive genetic profile, Othram said in a news release.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Brands and their buying partners should work alongside suppliers on training and upskilling programs, wage monitoring, and implementing comprehensive protections for workplace well-being.
    Adele Stafford, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Juxtaposed with the shots of the children cheerfully collecting these portraits are the scenes of the utter devastation wrought by the war between Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces, which the United Nations says has claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Palestinians.
    Don Riddell, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The easy, breezy spring dresses this season exude utter femininity while empowering the wearer to walk with confidence and comfort — what more can women want for their wardrobe?
    Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on complete

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!