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

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2
3
4
5
6

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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
The $200-million project was originally envisioned to cover 4,100 acres, for which the bulk of construction has been completed. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 Throughout the 2024 season, Rodgers completed 63 percent of his pass attempts for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
The Estes Space Shuttle is a 1:200 scale model of the legendary craft, complete with booster rockets and a fuel tank. Ian Stokes, Space.com, 23 May 2025 Lodging options include guest rooms in the main inn or bungalows, complete with a cocktail bar for guests to make their own summer aperitifs. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • That Walker finished the entire seven-game trip 4-for-27 furthered the thought.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
  • Last season, Ramsey played all 17 games and finished the season with 60 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Its solid pine wood frame sits upon tapered dowel legs, giving it a mid-century modern aesthetic that complements various decor styles.
    Alexandra Kay, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Don’t be tempted to grab every card you’re offered, and focus on cards that complement one another.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The new legislation is the latest in a flurry of bills introduced by Democratic lawmakers aimed at ending the ability of presidents and members of Congress to own or oversee businesses that issue or promote crypto products.
    Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • In his latest Oval Office event this week, Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — who once served as Nelson Mandela’s chief negotiator during talks to end White minority rule — with false claims about White South African farmers being victims of genocide.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, hundreds of thousands of potential buyers chose not to fulfill their orders, and many of them could have had reasons related to the EV's design flaws.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • This not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also reassures investors about the company's commitment to safeguarding assets and information.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • San Francisco ended last season with a total of 37 team sacks, which is near the bottom of the entire league.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Temperatures hover in the high 80s to low 90s, with rain chances at 60% across the entire region.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The back and front of a finished Legit Kits quilt, with the design’s guidance paper still attached.
    Megan Sauer Ryan Johnston, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • The finished basement has a kitchenette, a windowed full bathroom and a washer/dryer.
    Heather Senison, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our comprehensive analysis of Salesforce, across key indicators like Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience, reveals that the company continues to demonstrate very strong operational performance and a robust financial condition.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Being able to place the device on someone’s head would allow for more comprehensive brain monitoring.
    Paul McClure May 29, New Atlas, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even more notable was the string of copycat series Survivor sparked, which caused an utter explosion for the genre as other networks raced to find its very own success story.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025
  • His mission was to keep the vibes high in the face of utter hopelessness.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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