COMPLETE Synonyms: 390 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

complete 1 of 2

verb

Definition of complete next

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

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

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

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

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

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

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete genius

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorough

trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Once Palace had completed the formalities, the dressing room bell sounded — the same bell Arsenal heard pre-game to signal the start of the match now marked the campaign’s ultimate conclusion; the final bell on this special season. —

James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Dirty John, a podcast about serial scammer and abuser John Meehan, had recently completed its circuit from 2017 LA Times investigation and partner podcast to Netflix documentary to TV drama starring Connie Britton and Christian Slater. —

Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026

Adjective

That game became a cult hit for its hilarious simulations of everyday life, complete with Miis singing off-key, forming odd relationships and generating endless memes. —

Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026 Rather than building files from scratch in tools like Illustrator or CAD software, users can generate complete designs by modifying parameters such as dimensions, text, layout and decorative elements. —

New Atlas, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

The Cowboys finished at 7-9-1 during Schottenheimer's first year at the helm, falling short of advancing to the playoffs.

— Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
The 20-year-old finished the game with 5 points and and two assists in five minutes.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

Definition of finish

Browse Nearby Words

complements

complete

completed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of complete

verb

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on complete

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

unctuous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

On ‘Suffice It to Say’

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 29

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes