complication

noun

com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
Synonyms of complicationnext
1
a
: complexity, intricacy
especially : a situation or a detail of character complicating the main thread of a plot
b
: a making difficult, involved, or intricate
c
: a complex or intricate feature or element
d
: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes
2
: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition

Synonyms of complication

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Examples of complication in a Sentence

The negotiations stalled when complications arose. Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS. She experienced complications during her pregnancy. The patient died of complications from surgery.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The cause was complications of a benign brain tumor removed eight years ago, his wife and longtime NPR news producer Neenah Ellis told the New York Times. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Traditional credit monitoring generally will not detect the misuse itself, although unpaid debts could eventually create other financial complications. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 People with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and anyone 65 or older are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, and Turner urged anyone fitting those categories to take extra precautions this season. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026 The logistical complications of a facility that straddles the border are unavoidable. — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of complication was in the 15th century

Rhymes for complication

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Browse Nearby Words

complicateness
complication
complice
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Cite this Entry

“Complication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complication. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

complication

noun
com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
1
a
: an act or instance of complicating something
b
: a situation or detail of character that complicates a plot
c
: a complex feature or element
d
: something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult
we were unable to agree when complications arose
2
: a disease or bodily condition existing at the same time as and affecting the course or severity of another disease or condition

Medical Definition

complication

noun
com·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce complication (audio)
: a secondary disease or condition that develops in the course of a primary disease or condition and arises either as a result of it or from independent causes
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