Described herein is the synthesis of reinforced adhesive complex coacervates and their use thereof. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are composed of (a) at least one polycation, (b) at least one polyanion, and (c) a reinforcing component. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein can be subsequently cured to produce strong, cohesive adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional adhesives. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates are effective in wet or underwater applications. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates described herein, being phase separated from water, can be applied underwater without dissolving or dispersing into the water. The reinforced adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and bioactive delivery devices. In particular, the reinforced adhesive complex coacervates described herein are particularly useful in underwater applications and situations where water is present such as, for example, wet tissues in physiological conditions.