complex 1 of 3

Definition of complexnext

complex

2 of 3

noun

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

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

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
One of the most formative experiences in my career has been handling family and domestic violence matters, where the legal issues are complex and the human stakes are very real. Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Body Weight Being overweight or obese is another major risk factor—both for developing asthma and for the condition getting worse—but Gordon said the interplay is complex. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Honeycomb recently completed an affordable apartment complex in New Haven called The Monarch, and plans more in Chester and Enfield. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 Roughly a year ago, Workday revealed plans to eliminate 617 Bay Area jobs, all of them at the company’s headquarters complex on Stoneridge Mall Road. George Avalos, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, as the director-general of the board meant to oversee the implementation of the second and far more complicated phase of the ceasefire.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • If simple, prefabricated asymmetric carbon fibers can act as tiny actuators, engineers may not need complicated coatings or redesigns to build micro-scale devices.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In one space, costumes can be custom printed and cut using high-tech printers, while another space houses a room full of sewing machines where costumers spend 80 hours crafting an intricate fur-pattern cape with fringes and sequins.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In addition to featuring intricate lacework, some pieces stand out for being crafted from chiffon and fluid satins, being punctuated by tiny floral embroideries and cascading daisy embellishments or simply for their buttery hues that add to the classic black and white propositions.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At peak periods, the lookout has drawn thousands of people a day, overwhelming narrow access roads and limited parking facilities.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Olathe City Council also approved using their dollars to help build the team’s new training facility and team headquarters on 165 acres in Olathe city limits.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Californians know a single strong storm can improve the state’s snowpack and back-to-back systems could wipe out deficits.
    Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Otherwise, the law is made a mockery and those who followed the law to become citizens will rightfully be angry about a system that treats law-abiders and law-breakers the same.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • At 5,300 years old, any of those explanations complicates the conventional picture of how sophisticated Predynastic Egyptian material science actually was.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Her recovery was complicated by the routine obstacles that govern all aspects of life at Dilley.
    Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • At 5,300 years old, any of those explanations complicates the conventional picture of how sophisticated Predynastic Egyptian material science actually was.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Matchmakers create detailed profiles of their clients and prospective matches, including information about their dealbreakers and preferences and religious and political ideologies.
    Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Officials plan to introduce baseline rules by 2027, with more than 300 detailed standards expected by 2030.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • FedEx also aims to build on its data and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve network planning and better predict global trade flows.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
    Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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