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complicate Synonyms
Another word for complicate
Choosing another word for complicate depends on context, so the 13 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To make something more intricate, confusing, or difficult to deal with or understand.
Usage Example
"Adding last-minute regulatory requirements will only convolute the merger negotiations."
Strong
convolute
entangle
muddy
snarl
confuse
perplex
Weak
embroil
• verb (Context 2)
To make a medical condition or illness more severe or difficult to treat by introducing secondary symptoms or disorders.
Usage Example
"A secondary bacterial infection can aggravate recovery from seasonal influenza."
Strong
aggravate
exacerbate
compound
worsen
• adjective (Context 3)
Folded together or longitudinally upon itself, as the wings of certain insects or the leaves of plants in the bud.
Usage Example
"The entomologist noted the conduplicate venation and folding pattern of the wasp's forewings."
Strong
conduplicate
plicate
Opposites of complicate
The opposite of complicate shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
simplify
clarify
alleviate
streamline
mitigate
untangle
relieve
unravel
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Complicate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/complicate