Synonyms for

Complicate

Verb / ˈkɑ:mplʌˌkeɪt / Another word for complicate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make something more difficult or confusing

Synonyms & similar words

rarify simplify elaborate refine perplex complexify entangle muddle confuse perplex embarrass bewilder obfuscate torment trouble hamper hinder impede interfere prohibit stymie thwart delay restrain frustrate

Synonyms by register

Formal

exacerbate aggravate entangle obfuscate

Informal

mess up foul up screw up muddy the waters

Literary

embroil ensnare bewilder

Antonyms

simplify ease clarify unravel streamline straighten untangle

Common collocations

  • complicate matters
  • complicate things
  • complicate the issue
  • complicate a situation
  • further complicate
  • unnecessarily complicate
  • complicate life

Word family

noun complication
verb complicate
adjective complicated
adverb complicatedly

Usage note

Often used to describe making something more difficult or confusing than it needs to be. Be mindful of using it in formal contexts where 'exacerbate' or 'aggravate' might be more precise for worsening a problem.

Example sentences

  1. The instructions were so complicated that she needed help to understand them.
  2. Don't complicate things by overthinking them.
  3. He always tries to complicate the situation by bringing up irrelevant information.
  4. The process was simple, but she managed to complicate it.
  5. The language barrier can complicate communication between people from different countries.

Quotes

  • The truth is rarely pure and never simple. - Oscar Wilde
  • “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” - Confucius
  • “We have art in order not to die from the truth.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

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