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.

Complicating matters is that this three-host tournament is the most sprawling World Cup in history, from Vancouver to Boston to Mexico City.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Complicating matters, the traditional way of calculating the cost of mining bitcoin may no longer tell the whole story.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Complicating the challenges are demographic trends, with a shrinking and ageing population weakening the outlook for a future spending boom.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Complicating matters, he adds, is that there are no fresh water sources, which could make the animal's welfare dependent on human intervention.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Complicating matters, the FBI had just discovered that the hundred-dollar bills found in the burglars’ pockets had all been withdrawn from a bank account belonging to the Committee to Reelect the President.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin