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.

To complicate matters further, not everyone may equally bear the burden of false accusations.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

A continued moderation in inflation is critical to supporting stock valuations, while a prolonged rise in oil prices could complicate that path.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Higher inflation, in turn, would complicate the picture for the Fed’s interest-rate path.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 5, 2026

Thomas Mathews, head of Asia Pacific markets at Capital Economics, thinks oil markets may complicate that task, at least over the near term.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

He, after all, had no standards of manliness, of virility, to complicate his pride.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Vocabulary lists containing complicate

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Essential English Vocabulary, List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!