1
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
the knotty problems that arise when every nation is part of the global marketplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knotty
Nonetheless, reframing is a valuable means of viewing and solving knotty problems.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Teachers across the country are increasingly wrestling with knotty questions about whether and how to embrace AI in their classrooms.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 23 Dec. 2025
Their work, together and apart, eventually took them to some of the most knotty and high-profile spots in defense law.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
The band finds their footing in the song’s first minutes — tittering cymbals, a piano line, a knotty electric guitar, and chanted vocals in Spanish and French build like a symphony.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Teachers across the country are increasingly wrestling with knotty questions about whether and how to embrace AI in their classrooms.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 23 Dec. 2025
Their work, together and apart, eventually took them to some of the most knotty and high-profile spots in defense law.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
The band finds their footing in the song’s first minutes — tittering cymbals, a piano line, a knotty electric guitar, and chanted vocals in Spanish and French build like a symphony.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
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But the overlap with unusually frigid temperatures afflicting Florida's Space Coast and the rest of the country have turned Crew-12's launch opportunities into an intricate dance around Artemis 2.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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This intricate South Korean drama is reminiscent in tone to The Killing, the spectacularly atmospheric Danish (and later American) procedural.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This requires the difficult task of collecting precise, real-world measurements of complex nuclei and comparing the measurements with the models’ predictions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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While that process may prove difficult, the suspension option was hardly better.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The game's flight model is incredibly complicated, with a focus on realistic modeling and some notoriously finicky landing mechanics.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Lebanon and Syria have a complicated history with grievances on both sides.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Going through a severe injury is probably the toughest thing an athlete can go through.—
DJ Siddiqi,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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More companies are dialing back flexible work schedules and mandating that employees return to the office part-time or full-time, forcing women into tough situations.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Still, a few things are worth keeping in mind, especially if your teen is more sensitive, anxious, or likely to shut down under pressure.—
Dorian Johnson,
Parents,
1 Feb. 2026
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Infused with the same micro triple-lipid capsules—ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—that replenish the skin barrier on contact, it’s specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But Choi also found a connection with her complex protagonist, the author says.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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Any decision regarding Iran’s participation or nation exclusions would involve complex political and economic costs that extend far beyond football considerations.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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At supersonic speeds, this is incredibly problematic.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
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Ignore areas that look problematic.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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