1
as in complicate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
a complicated apparatus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
complicated plans for redeveloping the riverfront that involve both the private and public sectors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sophisticated
to make complex or difficult
the need to go to both a PTA conference and condo board meeting really complicates tonight's schedule
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggravated
to make more severe
asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 complicated
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
There are reports that Prince William also wants nothing to do with Harry, and that a reconciliation there might be more complicated.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
My hunch, though, is that the arrival of AI is complicated for the Chinese people.
—Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Adjective
It’s been a complicated year for TV makers, with much of the talk dominated by the need to partner to fund ambitious ideas, confusion around AI, and consolidation.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
There are reports that Prince William also wants nothing to do with Harry, and that a reconciliation there might be more complicated.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
But swapping fat for sugar and empty carbs is also problematic, and it has been complicated to untangle the effects of ever-changing dietary patterns.
—Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
My hunch, though, is that the arrival of AI is complicated for the Chinese people.
—Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complicated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicated
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
By carefully analyzing the subtle interactions of these signals, the technology can generate a highly detailed and accurate representation of a person’s presence, posture, and movement that is comparable to a camera snapshot, but constructed entirely from radio waves.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Whereas criminal suspects in this past may have been incriminated by a Google query on, say, how to clean up bloodstains, a more comprehensive, detailed back-and-forth with a tool like ChatGPT gives investigators far more opportunities to prove intent and mindset, Lee explains.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The technology was sophisticated, but the experience was simply human.—
Medhat Zaki,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
With notes of caramel, maple sugar, and whipped coconut, Ellis Brooklyn’s latest launch proves that sweet can still be sophisticated.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 25-year-old guard suffered the toe injury late last season and aggravated it during the playoffs, forcing him to miss four games as Cleveland fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.—
Evan Dammarell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Wasps will become aggravated if their nest is disturbed, so it's not recommended to knock down the nest.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Defensive struggles are all connected, because football is beautifully intricate like that, but the secondary is a problem.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after its dawn, dresses produced by Paris’ leading fashion houses, such as Poiret, Chanel and Lanvin, were envisaged with the same geometric, linear designs and intricate decorations that were characteristic of the revolutionary movement.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
With natural, biodegradable, and inexpensive components, such batteries could one day provide an eco-friendly alternative for powering homes or small devices without relying on toxic metals or complex supply chains.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The full and final details of what would be a very complex operation for tax and legal reasons are still being worked out, sources said.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Over the past few years, Lego has worked on expanding its customer base and deepened its strategy to achieve a streak of positive annual growth.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
-
As the spring went on, the confusion deepened.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The elaborate light display covered the storied department store’s facade with a larger-than-life Christmas tree and train wheelsets.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Our show is incredibly difficult to make at times with long hours, challenging stunts and elaborate disasters.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share