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

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

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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

However, for the Kaufmanns, Fallingwater’s design and location necessitated building preservation efforts nearly as soon as the architectural construction was completed. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026 Release the Trigger After the saw blade completes the cut, release the trigger and allow the blade to come to a complete stop. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026

Adjective

Each lifestyle concept features a complete wardrobe for its own characters, and emphasizes personal styles through mix-and-match fashions. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 13 July 2026 Zambia’s government has run a nationwide high-resolution airborne survey with Xcalibur that was 53% complete in January, building a digital store for old maps, survey reports, and mineral data. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

That was a 2019 Bahamas Bowl loss in Will Healy’s first season at Charlotte, which finished 7-6 for the 49ers’ lone winning season since elevating to the FBS in 2015.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
His youngest daughter is now among the six candidates in the special election that will decide who finishes his term.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

Economists, policymakers and technology leaders must act now to understand the economics of transformative AI and to build the incentives, guardrails, and institutions needed to steer AI in a direction that complements humans and benefits society.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Unlike universal accessories that may fit poorly or reduce ground clearance, vehicle-specific side steps are engineered to complement the truck's original design.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Definition of complement

Verb

That came after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of launching strikes on an airport in the Yemeni capital and warned the attacks would end a years-long de facto truce between the two sides.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
If, by chance, Mbappe and Messi were to end the tournament with an equal number of goals and assists, the award would go to the player who achieved those goals/assists in the fewest number of minutes.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of end

Verb

The last few weeks have shown his governing style and a remarkable run of papal decision-making where Leo has set the agenda, rather than merely fulfill the appointments set by his predecessor.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
But work, starting a family and following Leicester up and down the country prevented him from fulfilling that World Cup dream.

— Rob Tanner, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of fulfill

Adjective

Apple’s entire business is predicated on the consumer desire for simplicity.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
In that time, Hard Rock Stadium hosted Brazil versus Scotland and Colombia against Portugal, two of the most attractive group stage matches in the entire tournament.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026

Definition of entire

Adjective

To combat that, add finished compost (to boost those microbe levels) or use a liquid product like fish emulsion that is more immediately usable by plants.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
The listing is not for a finished luxury home with glass walls and high-end appliances.

— David Caraccio Updated July 13, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

Definition of finished

Adjective

Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, flexible rewards and more.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
It should be noted that there are new auctions practically every month, so the data can change quite rapidly, but the following list represents a comprehensive picture of the 25 top whiskey sales to date.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 July 2026

Definition of comprehensive

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“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of complete

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