complicating

VERB

confuse, make difficult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

convolute impede involve muddle obscure perplex upset

STRONG

bedevil clog combine confound derange disarrange disorder elaborate embroil entangle fold interrelate interweave jumble multiply ravel snafu snag tangle twist

WEAK

add fuel to fire foul up infold interfuse make intricate make waves mix up muck up open can of worms render unintelligible screw up snarl up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clear up enlighten explain order

STRONG

arrange clarify divide exclude free straighten uncomplicate untangle untwist

WEAK

disentangle ease facilitate make simple

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“But the complicating factor is their decision not to pick sides.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Reports claim that some workers did not bring mandatory tracking devices into the mines, and blueprints provided by the Liushenyu coal mine to authorities did not match the conditions at the mine, complicating rescue efforts.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The complicating factor here is that antidepressants are prescribed in the U.S. at rates that are above the ideal, which no one really disputes.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The multipolar world and resource nationalism is complicating supply chains.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Now, somehow, the same innovative spirit was being put to the opposite purpose: to hide the risk by complicating it.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis