complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən 
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
2
a
: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling
b
: a complex of attitudes and inclinations
All the armed partisan groups in the city, of whatever political complexion, immediately joined in the fighting …—
Anna Louise Strong
Anna Louise Strong3
: overall aspect or character
… by changing the complexion of the legislative branch …—Trevor Armbrister
Trevor Armbrister4
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
Examples of complexion in a Sentence
She has a dark complexion.
All of the children had healthy complexions.
The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Per usual, a full bag of Laura Geller products was at play to accentuate the 68-year-old’s smooth and poreless complexion and natural beauty.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
But Selena Gomez’s six-year-old brand hasn’t nailed the complexion category—yet.
—Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 1 Apr. 2026
While the original offered 55, the reformulation includes a whopping 70 options—across fair to deep complexions, then cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones—made with enhanced pigments for a more dimensional finish.
—Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Designed specifically for delicate facial skin, it can be used regularly to maintain a smooth, glowing, fuzz-free complexion from the comfort of home.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complexion
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Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
But Selena Gomez’s six-year-old brand hasn’t nailed the complexion category—yet.
—Elizabeth Denton, Allure, 1 Apr. 2026
While the original offered 55, the reformulation includes a whopping 70 options—across fair to deep complexions, then cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones—made with enhanced pigments for a more dimensional finish.
—Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Designed specifically for delicate facial skin, it can be used regularly to maintain a smooth, glowing, fuzz-free complexion from the comfort of home.
—ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complexion
Cite this Entry
“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
has a dark complexion
2
: general appearance : character
information that changes the whole complexion of a situation
Medical Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
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