complete 1 of 2

1
2
as in to complement
to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

complete

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3
4
5
6

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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

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
The Boston Red Sox might not be done adding to their pitching staff despite recently completing a blockbuster trade for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Lopez styled her long hair in her signature soft waves and completed her look with a natural, glowy makeup look. Charna Flam, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Book-to-screen adaptations can struggle under television’s conventions, such as casting actors and adhering to an episodic structure with individual, complete arcs. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 In the wake of recent news that Bravo will will be doing a complete cast swap-out for the next season of Vanderpump Rules, Lewber told the New York Post that her relationship with Kennedy was going better than ever. Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for complete 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • Greenlaw finished the first half with eight tackles.
    Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • At season’s end, their teams finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th.
    Todd Boss, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Lush foxtail agave and a variety of fruit trees complement the home’s scenic views.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The company’s independence and edgy brand has differentiated it from programmers trying to complement live games with docu fare.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • So, out of the 24, how did those teams end their seasons?
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • After those relationships ended, the close friends became roommates, leading to their love affair.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the backlog of unfulfilled orders has reached a record 17,000: at current delivery rates, this would take 14 years to fulfill, although the wait time is expected to eventually shorten.
    Ted Reed, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Many of the happiest super-agers never retire and have purposeful jobs that fulfill them.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry.
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The westbound lane closure will begin approximately one mile before the bridge (near mile point 12.5) and extend across its entire length.
    Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nearly two years after the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into the city and LMPD was released, the finished product — negotiated and agreed upon by city officials, LMPD leaders and the DOJ — was released Thursday morning.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Featuring 1,200 pieces, the finished product can be used as a beautiful holiday decoration.
    The View, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Successfully navigating a career change requires a comprehensive understanding of the new industry and skillfully marketing your transferable skills to prospective employers.
    Dieneria Brown, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Workers United, which has a bargaining delegation that represents workers at 525 Starbucks stores in the United States, said the coffee giant has yet to bring a comprehensive economic package to the table, while hundreds of legal disputes over unfair labor practices remain unsettled.
    Juveria Tabassum, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The utter confusion surrounding these drone sightings shows that the feds can't respond all on their own.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Which speaks to the utter futility of choosing not to have published the emails.
    Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near complete

Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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