COMPLICATION Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

complication

noun

ˌkäm-plə-ˈkā-shən

Definition of complication

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

as in disease

an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning complications set in after the surgery

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 The dual time zone complication was powered by a single automatic movement—a Caliber 27-460 modified by Cottier—meaning that the twin dials could be operated in tandem or set independently. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 The more aggressively a surgeon pulls and lifts, the greater the chance of complications, including nerve damage, scarring, and hair loss. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026 The first step toward a more balanced communication strategy may require public health groups to focus on the most common complications of measles rather than the most severe. — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026 The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the death was of complications from a rare brain disease called moyamoya disease. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complication

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complication

Noun

Both candidates, however, closed out the campaign’s final hours promising expensive new subsidies, highlighting the political difficulties of reining in public debt, which has increased under Lula by 10 percentage points to more than 82% of GDP.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
In fact, Bolsonaro’s campaign had also requested an extension in some areas, citing difficulties voters faced reaching polling stations because of heavy rain.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of difficulty

Noun

Depending on the species, that could mean breeding animals in captivity and releasing them, restoring habitat, managing disease, or controlling invasive species.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Beeswax, honey, and pollen each possess their own particular antimicrobial and chemical properties that, taken together, repel disease and encourage helpful fungi.

— Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of disease

Noun

Now, with Garrett still dealing with a knee ailment in his own right, the Rams have been banged up with key players not just being down for a week or two, but prolonged recoveries.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The lack of clarity on the root of his ailments complicated the balancing act on both sides.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ailment

Noun

The company aims to develop a wider lineup of electric-propulsion ships suited to different operating conditions and customer requirements.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
That website works great in the demo—under specific conditions and without users with thumbs for fingers.

— Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of condition

Noun

Hilton has blasted Becerra as taking the state’s voters for granted, failing to hold public campaign events to explain his detailed plans to address California’s many ills.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Now, in The Social Reckoning, Sorkin focuses on the ills of the company Facebook eventually became.

— Eliana Dockterman, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Noun

The progressive nervous system disorder affects more than a million Americans.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Research has shown that the therapeutic use of horseback riding can improve balance and coordination in people who have neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, and lessen the symptoms for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

— Ondine Cohane, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of disorder

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complicating

complication

complications

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Style

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

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Synonyms of complication

noun

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