complicate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
complicates,
present (3rd person singular)
-
complicated,
past participle, past
-
complicating
present participle
adjective
-
complex; involved.
-
Entomology. folded longitudinally one or more times, as the wings of certain insects.
verb
adjective
-
biology folded on itself
a complicate leaf
-
a less common word for complicated
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
overcomplicateverb (used with object)
-
precomplicateverb (used with object)
-
recomplicateverb (used with object)
-
uncomplicateverb (used with object)
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
complicatesimple
-
complicatessimple
-
have complicatedperfect
-
has complicatedperfect
-
am complicatingprogressive
-
are complicatingprogressive
-
is complicatingprogressive
-
have been complicatingperfect progressive
-
has been complicatingperfect progressive
Past
-
complicatedsimple
-
had complicatedperfect
-
was complicatingprogressive
-
were complicatingprogressive
-
had been complicatingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of complicate
1615–25; < Latin complicātus (past participle of complicāre to fold together), equivalent to com- com- + -plic- (combining form of *plecāre to fold, akin to plectī to plait; see complex) + -ātus -ate 1
Explanation
To complicate things is to make them more complex, confusing, or difficult. So if you've already accepted two party invitations for Saturday night, don't complicate the situation by accepting a third. This verb dates back to the 17th century, when it meant “to intertwine” or “to fold together." This intertwining and folding together, however, sometimes don't work out so well. An infection can complicate an injury. A detour for road construction will complicate your usual route. And directions that are written in another language — and without pictures — complicate the assembly of furniture and toys.
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!
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.
See Examples For:
The problem had threatened to complicate certification of Boeing’s longest and final variant of its bestselling 737, the MAX 10.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
“Probate can add costs, administrative burdens and stress for families during a period of grief. It also impacts privacy and can complicate asset management.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 27, 2026
The laboratory sits beneath 1.4 kilometers of radiation-dampening rock, which blocks much of the background interference that would otherwise complicate the search.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026
Feldman hopes the exhibition, which spans fine-line drawings of entangled lovers and radiant topographical tapestries, will complicate that familiar account.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
“You, on the other hand, would complicate things needlessly.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
"The situation significantly complicates navigation in the Black Sea, drives up insurance premiums, and makes maritime traffic extremely difficult," Radev said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
But here’s what complicates the monster story, and what Hollywood has failed to illustrate in this movie: I also found a young man failed by nearly every system around him.
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026
“Even when districts ultimately receive the money, that kind of maneuver complicates cash flow, raises uncertainty and pushes districts toward short-term decisions rather than stable strategies,” Barrera said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Neuroscience has a name for this gap between the chase and the catch, and it complicates a popular idea.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
“Having her on the loose certainly complicates the situation. Whether my assistance can compensate for her interference remains to be seen.”
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Appel thought about pursuing guardianship over his father because his situation was so complicated.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
They scheduled and attended appointments, helped coordinate transportation and childcare, communicated with doctors and nurses, and helped patients make sense of complicated medical information.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
Scott Howells plays the role of Cai, who runs the website but denies posting the listing, describing the character as "charming, complicated and never quite what he seems".
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
But for now that transformation is complicated by red tape and the high costs of upgrading railway infrastructure.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
“I’ve decided I should eat with my students on pizza day,” says Ms. Cherry, setting her food down and touching her complicated hair.
From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins
In recent years, homeowners, developers and businesses have complained that navigating the Planning Department can be complicating and confusing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
This meant some first responders recovered were wearing uniforms with others' names, complicating identification.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026
But growing research is complicating the idea that these alternatives are automatically healthier.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026
Regardless of our profiles, caring for our furry family members is complicating our budgets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
“He’s complicating any adoption for Jupiter,” said Mrs. Stroud.
From "Orbiting Jupiter" by Gary D. Schmidt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
