complete
1 of 2adjective
com·plete kəm-ˈplēt 
completer; completest
1
a
: having all necessary parts, elements, or steps
a complete diet
b
of a protein : containing all essential amino acids
Beans and grains combined together form a complete protein.
2
a
: total, absolute
complete silence
b
: fully carried out : thorough
a complete renovation
c
of a football pass : legally caught
3
: brought to an end : concluded
a complete period of time
4
: highly proficient
a complete artist
5
of a subject or predicate : including modifiers, complements, or objects
6
of insect metamorphosis : characterized by the occurrence of a pupal stage between the motile immature stages and the adult compare incomplete sense 3
7
: having all four sets of floral organs
8
of a metric space : having the property that every Cauchy sequence of elements converges to a limit in the space
completely adverb
completeness noun
completive
kəm-ˈplē-tiv
adjective complete
2 of 2verb
completed; completing
transitive verb
1
: to bring to an end and especially into a perfected state
complete a painting
2
a
: to make whole or perfect
Its song completes the charm of the bird.
Her latest purchase completes her collection.
b
: to mark the end of
A rousing chorus completes the show.
c
: execute, fulfill
complete a contract
3
: to carry out (a forward pass) successfully
The quarterback completed 12 out of 18 passes.
Synonyms
Adjective
- compleat
- comprehensive
- entire
- full
- grand
- intact
- integral
- perfect
- plenary
- total
- whole
Verb
- consummate
- finalize
- finish
- perfect
- polish
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective He spoke in complete sentences. They sat in complete silence. Verb The project took four months to complete. Her latest purchase completes her collection. The new baby completed their family. The quarterback completed 12 out of 15 passes. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Keep scrolling to see a complete breakdown of Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow's relationship timeline. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 Another standout look from her week was an extreme power suit complete with protruding shoulders. André-naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2022 Valdez recorded the first complete game shutout of his five-year MLB career. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 13 Sep. 2022 Create a simple sign complete with your favorite witch pun. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2022 New Jersey’s labor department said the audit didn’t include complete data since the company didn’t cooperate in the process. Jennifer Calfas, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 In other words, Shuna's Journey foreshadows much of Miyazaki's later work while still managing to be a complete standalone story in its own right. Christian Holub, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2022 James' copper-colored, bedazzled gown in a classically form-fitting Versace silhouette, and her matching fiery locks are complete perfection. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 Volunteers complete 100 hours of training, which includes ridealongs with police officers and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department paramedics. David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Her long-term goal is to complete a degree in nursing, once their finances have stabilized. Jessica Donati, WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 After the one-out walk, Wentz retired Kyle Isbel to complete his outing. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2022 Lastly, mascara, setting powder, a mauve-y glossy lip, and faux freckles complete her glam. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2022 Levis did complete 21-of-32 passes for 303 yards, with 3 touchdowns and an interception. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Those who have only received one or two shots should complete their vaccination series as soon as possible. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2022 On Friday, her community will complete that run for her. Amir Vera And Andi Babineau, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 See More
Adjective
But each time the boulder falls, Sisyphus begins rolling again, his task never complete. Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Keep scrolling to see a complete breakdown of Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow's relationship timeline. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 Another standout look from her week was an extreme power suit complete with protruding shoulders. André-naquian Wheeler, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2022 Valdez recorded the first complete game shutout of his five-year MLB career. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 13 Sep. 2022 Create a simple sign complete with your favorite witch pun. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2022 New Jersey’s labor department said the audit didn’t include complete data since the company didn’t cooperate in the process. Jennifer Calfas, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 In other words, Shuna's Journey foreshadows much of Miyazaki's later work while still managing to be a complete standalone story in its own right. Christian Holub, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2022 James' copper-colored, bedazzled gown in a classically form-fitting Versace silhouette, and her matching fiery locks are complete perfection. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 Verb
Sarver, 60, must also complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate workplace conduct. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 Volunteers complete 100 hours of training, which includes ridealongs with police officers and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department paramedics. David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Her long-term goal is to complete a degree in nursing, once their finances have stabilized. Jessica Donati, WSJ, 11 Sep. 2022 After the one-out walk, Wentz retired Kyle Isbel to complete his outing. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2022 Lastly, mascara, setting powder, a mauve-y glossy lip, and faux freckles complete her glam. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2022 Levis did complete 21-of-32 passes for 303 yards, with 3 touchdowns and an interception. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 Those who have only received one or two shots should complete their vaccination series as soon as possible. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2022 On Friday, her community will complete that run for her. Amir Vera And Andi Babineau, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English complet, compleet, complete, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French complet, borrowed from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre "to fill, make up, carry to completion," from com- com- + plēre "to fill" — more at full entry 1
Note: The simplex plēre is only attested in an inscription of 176/77 A.D., as a gerund, and in a comment of the grammarian Sextus Pompeius Festus, that "the ancients also used to say plentur without prefixes" ("plentur antiqui etiam sine praepositionibus dicebant"). If such a verb existed, it was replaced at an early date by prefixed compounds such as complēre, in which the prefix marks perfective aspect.
Verb
Middle English completen, derivative of complet complete entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing complete
Kids Definition
complete 1 of 2
adjective
com·plete kəm-ˈplēt
1
: having all necessary parts : not lacking anything
a complete set of books
2
: entirely done
His training is complete.
3
: thorough sense 1
complete darkness
complete
2 of 2verb
completed; completing
1
: to bring to an end : finish
complete a job
2
: to make whole or perfect
He needs six more state flags to complete his collection.
Medical Definition
complete
adjective
com·plete kəm-ˈplēt
1
of insect metamorphosis : characterized by the occurrence of a pupal stage between the motile immature stages and the adult compare incomplete sense 1
2
of a bone fracture : characterized by a break passing entirely across the bone compare incomplete sense 2
3
of a protein : containing all essential amino acids compare incomplete sense 4
complete 1 of 2
verb
1
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
- finish
- perfect
- finalize
- consummate
- accomplish
- fulfill
- get through
- execute
- do
- polish
- achieve
- fulfil
- perform
- effect
- improve
- stick out
- carry out
- better
- enhance
- carry through
- refine
- enrich
- machine
- ameliorate
- amend
- discharge
- shine
- follow through (with)
- meliorate
- touch up
- round (off or out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- abandon
- drop
- quit
- discontinue
- forsake
- desert
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
- complement
- adorn
- decorate
- enhance
- improve
- perfect
- better
- form
- embellish
- round (off or out)
- beautify
- constitute
- finish (off)
- enrich
- flesh (out)
- make up
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
- finish
- end
- conclude
- close
- wrap up
- close out
- wind up
- perfect
- consummate
- put paid to
- terminate
- climax
- crown
- ring down the curtain (on)
- round (off or out)
- suspend
- halt
- stop
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- begin
- start
- commence
- open
- inaugurate
4
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
- fulfill
- fulfil
- satisfy
- keep
- answer
- finalize
- fill
- meet
- make good
- finish
- redeem
- perfect
- abide by
- accomplish
- achieve
- consummate
- execute
- effect
- perform
- make good on
- comply (with)
- conclude
- carry out
- make
- commit
- bring about
- discharge
- bring off
- compass
- follow through (with)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- break
- violate
- breach
- slight
- ignore
- forget
- transgress
- disregard
- overlook
- neglect
- default (on)
- pass over
- overpass
complete
2 of 2adjective
1
as in entire
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it a complete deck of cards Synonyms & Similar Words
- entire
- full
- comprehensive
- whole
- total
- perfect
- intact
- integral
- grand
- compleat
- plenary
- extensive
- unabridged
- exhaustive
- uncut
- maximal
- undiminished
- full-scale
- full-on
- full-blown
- all-out
- full-out
- full-fledged
- full-bore
- full-blooded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- partial
- incomplete
- imperfect
- cut
- reduced
- abbreviated
- diminished
- abridged
2
as in completed
brought or having come to an end your education is never complete—there's always something more to learn Synonyms & Similar Words
- completed
- finished
- done
- up
- ended
- through
- over
- concluded
- down
- accomplished
- terminated
- achieved
- over with
- defunct
- out of hand
- attained
- out of the way
- realized
- obsolete
- expired
- extinct
- compassed
- kaputt
- kaput
- dead
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- incomplete
- ongoing
- unfinished
- continuing
- uncompleted
- undone
3
as in comprehensive
covering everything or all important points will present complete coverage of the tennis tournament Synonyms & Similar Words
- comprehensive
- full
- panoramic
- thorough
- extensive
- inclusive
- exhaustive
- global
- encyclopedic
- general
- omnibus
- compendious
- cyclopedic
- universal
- embracive
- in-depth
- vast
- all-embracing
- all-inclusive
- broad
- large
- broad-gauged
- cover-all
- overall
- all-in
- wide
- broad-gauge
- sweeping
- far
- catholic
- cosmic
- inclusionary
- panoptic
- blanket
- unrestricted
- encyclical
- grand
- indiscriminate
- wide-ranging
- far-reaching
- cosmical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- limited
- specialized
- restricted
- narrow
- specific
- precise
- exact
- individual
- incomplete
- singular
- circumscribed
- sketchy
- patchy
4
as in utter
having no exceptions or restrictions he's a complete lunatic Synonyms & Similar Words
- utter
- total
- unconditional
- simple
- absolute
- sheer
- pure
- definite
- perfect
- outright
- thorough
- very
- damned
- damn
- real
- thoroughgoing
- unmitigated
- consummate
- unadulterated
- clean
- huge
- profound
- endless
- blank
- regular
- downright
- deadly
- fair
- straight-out
- plumb
- stone
- constant
- dreadful
- categorical
- crashing
- genuine
- unqualified
- all-out
- blooming
- stark
- unalloyed
- flat-out
- arrant
- out-and-out
- rank
- perpetual
- authentic
- flat
- veritable
- bodacious
- classic
- eternal
- categoric
- dead
- horrible
- extreme
- unremitting
- terrible
- unrestricted
- main
- supreme
- confirmed
- undying
- extraordinary
- hopeless
- terrific
- superlative
- surpassing
- habitual
- frightful
- inveterate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- restricted
- qualified
- questionable
- uncertain
- doubtful
- dubious
- equivocal
5
as in thorough
trying all possibilities a complete search of the computer file Synonyms & Similar Words
- thorough
- comprehensive
- extensive
- exhaustive
- total
- sweeping
- thoroughgoing
- full-scale
- clean
- systematic
- all-out
- out-and-out
- in-depth
- wide
- general
- methodical
- broad
- inclusive
- wide-ranging
- global
- far-reaching
- methodic
- unhampered
- no-holds-barred
- unrestrained
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- random
- haphazard
- cursory
- limited
- desultory
- aimless
- superficial
- slipshod
- restricted
- shallow
- hit-or-miss
- narrow
6
as in proficient
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
- proficient
- experienced
- skillful
- skilled
- adept
- expert
- master
- good
- accomplished
- great
- practiced
- consummate
- masterful
- compleat
- masterly
- virtuoso
- professed
- crack
- educated
- veteran
- capable
- gifted
- ace
- crackerjack
- talented
- qualified
- able
- efficient
- versed
- practised
- competent
- effective
- handy
- polished
- trained
- fitted
- fit
- employable
- old
- slick
- clever
- refined
- deft
- workmanlike
- taught
- adroit
- dexterous
- effectual
- knowledgeable
- well-rounded
- schooled
- all-round
- sure-handed
- tutored
- long-term
- dextrous
- all-around
- multiskilled
- habile
- multitalented
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unable
- incapable
- amateur
- weak
- unqualified
- unfitted
- unskilled
- incompetent
- unfit
- amateurish
- inexperienced
- inexpert
- unprofessional
- inept
- new
- crude
- beginning
- artless
- inefficient
- unseasoned
- ineffective
- unskillful
- rude
- ineffectual
- jackleg
- green
- raw
- ignorant
- primitive
- rough
- untutored
- untrained
- inexperienced
- unschooled
- untaught
- unpolished
- untalented
- awkward
- untried
- clumsy
- unseasoned
- ungifted
- talentless
- untested
- would-be
- ham-fisted
- ham-handed
- heavy-handed
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
Although the words end and complete have much in common, end conveys a strong sense of finality.
ended his life
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
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