complicate
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for complicate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something more difficult or intricate than it needs to be.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use complicate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
complicate matters
complicate things
further complicate
Etymology
From Latin complicatus, "folded together," from com- ("together") + plicare ("to fold") — the same root that gives us "complex" and "plait."
Full origin of complicate →Frequently asked questions
What does “complicate” mean?
The word “complicate” means to make something more difficult or intricate than it needs to be. In plain terms, to make something harder to understand or deal with by adding extra parts or problems.
How do you pronounce “complicate”?
“Complicate” is pronounced KOMP-lih-kayt (/ˈkɑmplɪkeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “complicate” in a sentence?
Here is “complicate” used in a sentence: “Adding more clauses only complicated the contract.”
What is another word for “complicate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “complicate” include complex, complexify, complify, confuscate, desimplify and elaborate.
What is the opposite of “complicate”?
The opposite of “complicate” — its antonyms — are decomplexify, simplify and uncomplicate.
What part of speech is “complicate”?
“Complicate” is a verb.
Where does the word “complicate” come from?
The word “complicate” comes from Latin. From Latin complicatus, "folded together," from com- ("together") + plicare ("to fold") — the same root that gives us "complex" and "plait.".
Is “complicate” a common word?
“Complicate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
