Definitions

complicate

[kom-pli-keyt, kom-pli-kit] / ˈkɒm plɪˌkeɪt, ˈkɒm plɪ kɪt /

VERB

confuse, make difficult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

convolute impede involve muddle obscure perplex upset

STRONG

bedevil clog combine confound derange disarrange disorder elaborate embroil entangle fold interrelate interweave jumble multiply ravel snafu snag tangle twist

WEAK

add fuel to fire foul up infold interfuse make intricate make waves mix up muck up open can of worms render unintelligible screw up snarl up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clear up enlighten explain order

STRONG

arrange clarify divide exclude free straighten uncomplicate untangle untwist

WEAK

disentangle ease facilitate make simple

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One condition alone can be difficult to address, but intertwined maladies further complicate matters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The cancer signals complicate the path forward for the drug, analysts at Jefferies wrote in a note to clients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Would keeping the CDs in place make the estate process simpler, or complicate things?

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

That could further complicate reform efforts by Faye, who sacked his former ally Sonko on Friday after months of tensions.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Having Abuelita think I was crazy would only complicate matters.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing complicate

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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"What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?" Vocabulary from the short story

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 4

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