complete 1 of 2

1
2
as in to complement
to serve as a completing element to the bird's beautiful song simply completes its appeal for pet owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point the well-attended concert completed a great weekend of arts and entertainment events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

complete

2 of 2

adjective

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2
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4
5
6

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complete information
detailed information
true information
correct information
comprehensive information
full information
complete understanding
perfect understanding
full understanding
absolute understanding
sufficient understanding
total understanding
complete coverage
total coverage
full coverage
enough coverage
excellent coverage
over-all coverage
a complete list
a detailed list
an extensive list
an exhaustive list
a definitive list
a conclusive list
complete lack
total lack

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb complete differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complete are close, conclude, end, finish, and terminate. While all these words mean "to bring or come to a stopping point or limit," complete implies the removal of all deficiencies or a successful finishing of what has been undertaken.

the resolving of this last issue completes the agreement

Where would close be a reasonable alternative to complete?

The meanings of close and complete largely overlap; however, close usually implies that something has been in some way open as well as unfinished.

close a debate

In what contexts can conclude take the place of complete?

While the synonyms conclude and complete are close in meaning, conclude may imply a formal closing (as of a meeting).

the service concluded with a blessing

When could end be used to replace complete?

Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.

ended his life

When might finish be a better fit than complete?

The words finish and complete can be used in similar contexts, but finish may stress completion of a final step in a process.

after it is painted, the house will be finished

When would terminate be a good substitute for complete?

In some situations, the words terminate and complete are roughly equivalent. However, terminate implies the setting of a limit in time or space.

your employment terminates after three months

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 complete
Verb
In 11-on-11, Dart then completed his first throw for a touchdown to Jalin Hyatt with corner Tre Hawkins in coverage. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 Hydro completed the construction of its third aluminum recycling plant in November 2023 at Cassopolis, Michigan, taking its total production capacity to more than 300,000 tonnes annually. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Adjective
Speaking of music: No trip to Memphis is complete without stops at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio and Graceland. Sal Vaglica, USA Today, 23 July 2025 All the elements are there, complete with potential cliff-hanger endings for each episode. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for complete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete
Verb
  • North Irvine finished 5 for 7 with the extra attacker.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 23 July 2025
  • Once baked, finish the casserole with plenty of shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • But the pointer is softer and more playful in a way that complements iPadOS.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
  • Palm Tree Crew brings a unique lifestyle perspective that perfectly complements our performance DNA.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Last year, Kennedy ended his independent bid for president during an Arizona visit and endorsed President Donald Trump.
    Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Megan and Thompson ended the workout by helping each other stretch and giving each other a kiss.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Rather than making customers break down needs into searchable keywords, the AI will understand high-level goals and orchestrate the necessary actions to fulfill them.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Moda Italiana got vocal on Wednesday defending the country’s high-end fashion supply chain against ongoing claims describing it as failing to fulfill the principles of quality, work ethics and sustainability that the sector has long prided itself on.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • Last year, Hurricane Helene wiped out entire North Carolina towns previously considered safe from that type of destruction.
    Laura Schifter, Time, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Princess of Wales was first diagnosed with cancer in April 2024 and finished chemotherapy in September of that year.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 July 2025
  • After the restrictions were in place, however, China’s criminal networks switched to shipping out precursors—the chemicals needed to make the opioid—instead of finished fentanyl.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the moment, SiriusXM car and streaming plans start at $9.99 per month, going up to $25 per month for its most comprehensive offering.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • Programs can leverage these capabilities to look at other sources of insider threat (e.g., fraud, IP theft, etc.) in an integrated and comprehensive way.
    Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Today, dark matter and dark energy — together composing 95% of the contents of the universe — remain utter mysteries.
    Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • This approach came into being several years ago after the Medical Board’s last confidential diversion system was deemed an utter failure and patients were harmed at the hands of struggling doctors.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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