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Definition of completenext
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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

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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

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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 Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that an autopsy had been completed, but the cause of death remained undetermined pending further testing. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Nigeria is on track to complete a 90,000 km fiber optic cable network in three years, a government minister said, beating an initial timeline for the project backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
However, their performance depends on how the complete battery is designed, processed, and operated. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026 Avocado and other ingredients were added over time, turning it into a complete meal. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • The price for Senate Republicans to finish the college sports bill quickly this week might be a roll call vote on allowing NCAA athletes to organize.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • After a one-two finish by Democrats in the governor's primary, some voters were angry when Begich, who finished second, withdrew and endorsed leading vote-getter Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On the property’s 5 acres, the botanist owner has grown specimen plants, trees, and a meadow garden, complemented by an outdoor sculpture, walking paths, and a Native American geological landmark.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Eve is designed to complement, not replace, a wheelchair, offering another mobility option for moments when users choose to be upright.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Those efforts have included dispatching a senior envoy to discuss ending Iranian airline Mahan Air’s flights to Oman, according to a Treasury Department spokesperson.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Whole Foods is providing additional flowers, helping Petals with Promise reach even more people after the outdoor growing season ends.
    — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Courant asked to interview Santiago and Braswell, but our request was not fulfilled in time for this article.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Dangote Refinery has often insisted that its fully operational 700,000 barrels-a-day plant can fulfill this demand.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The professional dancer held up her entire big toenail, complete with blue nail polish, to the camera.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Speaking from experience, higher refresh rates make scrolling smoother, animations more fluid, and the entire phone feel snappier.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That should drive major upside to shares of NexGen, even though the project is far from finished and poses risks, per JPMorgan.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The idea was to give what is normally a temporary and invisible stage of the process as much presence as the finished precious object.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, or DEFA—the world’s first comprehensive, region-wide agreement dedicated to the digital economy.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Among its provisions, the bill requires EPA to develop a comprehensive National Textile Circularity Strategy, as well as conduct a needs assessment to identify the actions, investments, and policy priorities that such strategy will require.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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