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Some common synonyms of complex<\/em> are complicated<\/em><\/a>, intricate<\/em><\/a>, involved<\/em><\/a>, and knotty<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having confusingly interrelated parts,\" complex<\/em> suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.<\/p>

\/\/ a complex<\/em> recipe<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'complicated' a more appropriate choice than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms complicated<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are close in meaning, complicated<\/em> applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.<\/p>

\/\/ complicated<\/em> legal procedures<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'intricate' be a better fit than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms intricate<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate<\/em> suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.<\/p>

\/\/ an intricate<\/em> web of deceit<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'involved' instead of 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words involved<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> have much in common, involved<\/em> implies extreme complication and often disorder.<\/p>

\/\/ a rambling, involved<\/em> explanation<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'knotty' be a good substitute for 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to complex<\/em>, knotty<\/em><\/a> suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.<\/p>

\/\/ knotty<\/em> ethical questions<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the adjective 'complex' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of complex<\/em> are complicated<\/em><\/a>, intricate<\/em><\/a>, involved<\/em><\/a>, and knotty<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having confusingly interrelated parts,\" complex<\/em> suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.<\/p>

\/\/ a complex<\/em> recipe<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'complicated' a more appropriate choice than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms complicated<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are close in meaning, complicated<\/em> applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.<\/p>

\/\/ complicated<\/em> legal procedures<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'intricate' be a better fit than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms intricate<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate<\/em> suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.<\/p>

\/\/ an intricate<\/em> web of deceit<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'involved' instead of 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words involved<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> have much in common, involved<\/em> implies extreme complication and often disorder.<\/p>

\/\/ a rambling, involved<\/em> explanation<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'knotty' be a good substitute for 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to complex<\/em>, knotty<\/em><\/a> suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.<\/p>

\/\/ knotty<\/em> ethical questions<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the adjective 'complex' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of complex<\/em> are complicated<\/em><\/a>, intricate<\/em><\/a>, involved<\/em><\/a>, and knotty<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having confusingly interrelated parts,\" complex<\/em> suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.<\/p>

\/\/ a complex<\/em> recipe<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'complicated' a more appropriate choice than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms complicated<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are close in meaning, complicated<\/em> applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.<\/p>

\/\/ complicated<\/em> legal procedures<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'intricate' be a better fit than 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms intricate<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate<\/em> suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.<\/p>

\/\/ an intricate<\/em> web of deceit<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'involved' instead of 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words involved<\/em><\/a> and complex<\/em> have much in common, involved<\/em> implies extreme complication and often disorder.<\/p>

\/\/ a rambling, involved<\/em> explanation<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'knotty' be a good substitute for 'complex'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to complex<\/em>, knotty<\/em><\/a> suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.<\/p>

\/\/ knotty<\/em> ethical questions<\/p>" } } ] }

complex 1 of 3

adjective

käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)
Definition of complexnext
1
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated this medical device is a complex instrument that requires careful handling complex issues regarding free speech and school discipline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intricate
made or done with great care or with much detail a complex plan for evacuating the city in the event of a natural disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

complex

2 of 3

noun

ˈkäm-ËŒpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)
1
as in facility
a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in system
something made up of many interdependent or related parts a complex of government programs designed to assist the needy

Synonyms & Similar Words

complex

3 of 3

verb

käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective complex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than complex?

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might intricate be a better fit than complex?

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is it sensible to use involved instead of complex?

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When would knotty be a good substitute for complex?

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

How does the adjective complex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than complex?

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might intricate be a better fit than complex?

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is it sensible to use involved instead of complex?

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When would knotty be a good substitute for complex?

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

How does the adjective complex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than complex?

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might intricate be a better fit than complex?

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is it sensible to use involved instead of complex?

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When would knotty be a good substitute for complex?

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

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 complex
Adjective
The primary motivation behind the podcast is to position Bank of America as a provider of ‘trusted insight’ in a fast-moving and complex tech landscape. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026 In remote areas where humans aren’t around to help, high-tech systems are often too complex to fix if something goes wrong. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 The last recall attempt in 2010, spurred by an affordable housing complex, failed. —Bracey Harris, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
  1. complicated
  2. intricate
  3. facility
  4. system
  5. complicate
  6. sophisticated
  7. detailed
  8. network
Adjective
  • Managing reputational risk is a complicated (and constant) obligation.
    — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Pegula hit five aces and never let the match settle into anything complicated.
    — Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • The exhibition opens with an intricate model of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that Palestinian craftspeople in Bethlehem made of local materials including olive and pistachio wood, mother-of-pearl and camel bone.
    — Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • What emerged was a series of intricate, heady features whose ideas often came through more clearly than their sentiments.
    — Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of intricate
Noun
  • No damage to the facility or casualties were reported.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The legislation would pause the construction of new facilities until Congress passes regulations on artificial intelligence.
    — Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of facility
Noun
  • However, these systems and traditions were disrupted by the slave trade.
    — Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Home routers and mesh systems are critical to national security and consumer protection, and today’s decision is a step forward.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of system
Verb
  • The snow drought is complicating that work.
    — Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Second, instability along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border complicates regional connectivity and economic integration initiatives, including projects linked to broader Central and South Asia.
    — Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of complicate
Adjective
  • But while the packaging and TikTok fame might skew young, the formulas themselves are no joke—Laneige has long focused on sophisticated hydration that leaves skin looking plump, smooth, and healthy.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Sharper tailoring and column dresses marked a move away from last year’s relaxed layering and flowing silhouettes, pointing toward more sophisticated styles and a focus on longevity.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of sophisticated
Adjective
  • Lynch allegedly told the individual how to get into the house and provided detailed information about its appearance, layout and items inside the home.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • How did researchers make such detailed observations about shark behavior?
    — BRADY DENNIS THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of detailed
Noun
  • Last October, the Treasury Department announced sanctions on Petro, members of his family, including his wife Verónica, and allies like Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, citing alleged links to drug trafficking networks.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Under the modification, the General Dynamics subsidiary will aim to address supplier network bottlenecks that have delayed the delivery of the first submarine in the next-generation 12-vessel fleet of nuclear submarines.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of network

Browse Nearby Words

completions
complex
complexed
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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complex

Nglish: Translation of complex for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complex

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