COMPLETE Synonyms: 390 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'complete' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close , conclude , end , finish , and terminate . While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken. // the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Q: Where would 'close' be a reasonable alternative to 'complete'?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished. // close a debate

Q: In what contexts can 'conclude' take the place of 'complete'?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting). // the service concluded with a blessing

Q: When could 'end' be used to replace 'complete'?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality. // ended his life

Q: When might 'finish' be a better fit than 'complete'?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process. // after it is painted, the house will be finished

Q: When would 'terminate' be a good substitute for 'complete'?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space. // your employment terminates after three months

complete 1 of 2

verb

Definition of complete next

as in to finish

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done managed to complete the assignment with time to spare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to complement

to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

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as in to end

to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point the well-attended concert completed a great weekend of arts and entertainment events

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as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of no payments will be made until the contract is completed

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complete

2 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈplēt

as in entire

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it a complete deck of cards

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as in finished

brought or having come to an end your education is never complete—there's always something more to learn

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as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament

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as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete lunatic

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as in thorough

trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file

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as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a riding school that will teach you all skills required of the complete equestrian

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For

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complete information

detailed information

true information

correct information

comprehensive information

full information

complete understanding

perfect understanding

full understanding

absolute understanding

sufficient understanding

total understanding

complete coverage

total coverage

full coverage

enough coverage

excellent coverage

over-all coverage

a complete list

a detailed list

an extensive list

an exhaustive list

a definitive list

a conclusive list

complete lack

total lack

absolute lack

enormous lack

tremendous lack

definitive lack

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb complete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close, conclude, end, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would close be a reasonable alternative to complete?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

In what contexts can conclude take the place of complete?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace complete?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might finish be a better fit than complete?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would terminate be a good substitute for complete?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of complete

Verb

Searches will take considerable time to complete given the widespread devastation wrought by both blazes and safety challenges of searching in fire zones, the sheriff said. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 Some of the films were still works-in-progress when they were submitted, leading the judges to follow up on whether they had been completed and could be shown in the festival. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2025

Adjective

The New York Times first reported on Nov. 13, that Smith planned to resign once the report was complete. —

Ivana Saric, Axios, 11 Jan. 2025 The full study isn’t out, so a complete look isn’t yet available, but an advanced look is. —

Erik Sherman, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

The Red Wings also had three different lines score an even-strength goal Sunday, with the big highlight being Kane’s tally to finish a remarkable play set up by Andrew Copp and Erik Gustafsson. Were the Red Wings perfect Sunday?

Max Bultman, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
Live updates: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire Jane and David Stover were among the neighbors Jennifer alerted to the fire, banging on their door just as the couple were finishing dinner.

Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025