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Definition of "complicate" []

  • To make or become complex or perplexing. (verb-transitive)
  • To twist or become twisted together. (verb-transitive)
  • Complex, intricate, and involved. (adjective)
  • Biology Folded longitudinally one or several times, as certain leaves or the wings of some insects. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "complicate" in a sentence
  • "What all of these data make clear, and future studies are sure to further complicate, is that the simplistic association of "intelligent" with "atheist" is not backed by the evidence."
  • "AMANPOUR: And how much do the militants complicate -- in other words, using potential humanitarian aid to control the people?"
  • "UND also fears keeping the nickname will complicate its plans to join the Big Sky athletics conference in July."