COMPLETE Synonyms: 390 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

complete 1 of 2

verb

Definition of complete

as in to finish

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done managed to complete the assignment with time to spare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of no payments will be made until the contract is completed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complete

2 of 2

adjective

kəm-ˈplēt

as in entire

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it a complete deck of cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in finished

brought or having come to an end your education is never complete—there's always something more to learn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in comprehensive

covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in utter

having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete genius

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thorough

trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor a riding school that will teach you all skills required of the complete equestrian

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The policy requires a supervisor to complete an investigation, as well as submit findings and an evaluation of the officer's performance up the chain of command for review. — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026 Northrop’s SpaceLogistics division took over the commercial portion of the program the following year and completed development of the spacecraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Adjective

For the $20 billion-dollar parent company an outright sale would mark a complete exit from African sugar, freeing up capital to refocus on its core European foods divisions and flagship retail engine, Primark. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Despite those valid concerns, Arraez played some of the most complete baseball of his career en route to earning his fourth career All-Star appearance. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complete

Recent Examples of Synonyms for complete

Verb

Addam and Seasmoke escort Syrax, which leaves Caraxes and Daemon to finish off Sheepstealer.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
If software ate the world by selling to it, AI may finish the job by buying it.

— Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of finish

Verb

And if teak is already the material du jour of your backyard assortment, a set of these can perfectly complement the frame of your current outdoor sectional.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026
Fruit, pastries, meat and cheese platters, cereals and a fresh juice bar complement the hot offerings.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of complement

Verb

But this roadside stop actually specializes in Korean cuisine, which fulfilled owners Starrlite and David DeCook’s desire to bring more diversity to the area.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Graham is serving in an interim role to fulfill her brother's current term.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Adjective

Inside the hammam, an entire hallway is devoted to visually telling their love story through art and historic panels.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
And as much as fans want to overreact to one play, the position switch – remember, Proctor played left tackle his entire career at Alabama – as well as the jump to the NFL can’t be disregarded.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of entire

Adjective

Tense football games tend to leave fans in utter distress, but not John Cena.

— Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026
The violence of the newborn micrometeoroid's exile was followed by an epoch of utter silence, as its orbit was subtly influenced by the unseen forces of the solar system.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of utter

Browse Nearby Words

complements

complete

completed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Complete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complete. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of complete

verb

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on complete

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes