complicates

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.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified another complication in a Fox News interview that aired Monday: the internal battle for control in Iran that complicates any diplomatic effort.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Netflix's new true crime documentary, suggests that in real life, love complicates everything.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Avis’s ascent certainly complicates the outlook for the Dow transports, but it is hardly the only component trending higher.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Another role crypto is playing in the war is genuinely novel, and it complicates the mediations in Pakistan in a different register.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

My mother also dated his brother, which complicates the situation.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter