1
as in difficulty
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding reception
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
complications set in after the surgery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in complexity
the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects
a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 complication
These findings align with the broader benefits of vaccination in preventing severe COVID-19 and its complications.
—
Henry I Miller, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
Sullivan, 89, died of complications from pancreatic cancer on Jan. 16 at her Oak Park home, said her daughter, K.T. Sullivan.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
The Tambour Taiko Spin Time collection features an existing Louis Vuitton complication: spinning blocks at the 12 hour-marker points indicate the time.
—Robin Swithinbank, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
In August, the agency officially decided to fly Starliner back to Earth uncrewed because those complications weren't fully resolved; the Starliner astronauts' mission plans therefore had to shift.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Henry I Miller, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
Sullivan, 89, died of complications from pancreatic cancer on Jan. 16 at her Oak Park home, said her daughter, K.T. Sullivan.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
The Tambour Taiko Spin Time collection features an existing Louis Vuitton complication: spinning blocks at the 12 hour-marker points indicate the time.
—Robin Swithinbank, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
In August, the agency officially decided to fly Starliner back to Earth uncrewed because those complications weren't fully resolved; the Starliner astronauts' mission plans therefore had to shift.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complication
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complication
Noun
-
If the firm backing the ETN has financial difficulties, the note might not be paid in full.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell admitted to having difficulties with superspeedway-style racing earlier in his career but credited his team's hard work for the successful adjustments.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
How long that takes depends on the course of the disease and farmer operations.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Show creator Samantha Strauss said the character of Lucy was important to depict what a lot of people feel when fighting a disease: not listened to, not in control and not acknowledged as a full person.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The challenges are not just about the volume but also the complexity and fragmentation of data generated by sensors, machines, and smart factories.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Industry groups should push for qualified leadership appointments at crucial agencies like the DEA, FDA and USDA—officials who understand both cannabis policy complexities and public health implications.—
Ricardo Baca,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
James has consistently been on the injury report because of a left foot ailment since early December.—
Khobi Price,
Orange County Register,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The pontiff was admitted to the hospital in Rome on Friday for treatment for bronchitis and medical examinations, the Vatican said, the latest in a string of ailments that have raised concerns about the 88-year-old pontiff’s health.—
Caitlin Danaher,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Clark said the Naval Special Warfare Command reported 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, among Navy SEAL and Special Warfare Combat crewman candidates at the Coronado base from January 2019 to May 2023.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Nearly 8% of outpatient visits for respiratory illness during the week ending Feb. 8 were for flu-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While market conditions could shift later this week, now is a good time to explore which cryptocurrencies are worth watching in the days ahead.—
Vinamrata Chaturvedi,
Quartz,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Experts say these health conditions could be contributing to your exhaustion.—
Kimberly Richardson,
CNN,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
For years, watchdogs have noted tech companies have the power to control their platforms’ misinformation, hate speech, and other rampant ills that fester on social media.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Many patients have literacy and language barriers, or wrestle with social ills like housing insecurity, abuse and poverty.—
Katie Benner,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Scientists hope their study could enhance preparedness for future pandemics and put them a step closer to bringing fluoxetine and other SSRIs closer to clinical testing to combat infections and immune disorders.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Other disorders that are less common but could also be contributing to drowsiness are narcolepsy or sleepwalking during the night.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complication. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share