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
Every state already has laws on the books for such record-clearing, but the process is complicated and requires people to navigate a knotty legal system.
—
Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
The conference comes at a knotty moment for the Democratic Party.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 20 May 2026
Since its opening, Moth Days has caught the eyes and hearts of a public that was apparently hungry for knotty rumination on troubled institutions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Bryant’s admission brings some closure — but also adds complexity — to a knotty case.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
The conference comes at a knotty moment for the Democratic Party.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 20 May 2026
Since its opening, Moth Days has caught the eyes and hearts of a public that was apparently hungry for knotty rumination on troubled institutions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Bryant’s admission brings some closure — but also adds complexity — to a knotty case.
—Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
-
The Art Nouveau design incorporates ceiling frescoes, terra-cotta floors, and intricate woodwork.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
-
Some limited sets are as affordable as $25, while the largest, most intricate sets can cost up to $500.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
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Otherwise, those prospects start becoming large contracts that stand more difficult to move or aggregate.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Federal Illegality Complicates What Cannabis Can Do The explanation for cannabis' absence begins with its complicated legal status.—
Peter Su,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Claims About Cycle Syncing Improving Productivity This is where the science gets complicated.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
-
Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.—
Briana Aldridge,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
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International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
That air should be JR’s vital collaborator — no complex and costly scaffolding for these magic mountains — is nothing new in Paris.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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Founded by Marc-André Roy and Jared Etzel in 2012, Domaine Roy & Fils is known for its elegant interpretations of Burgundy-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so this complex but somewhat lighthearted rosé comes as a pleasant surprise.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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The judge’s ruling contained a caveat that Sorsby sit out the first two games of the Red Raiders’ season, a distinction that, as detailed below, the NCAA depicts as problematic in its own right.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
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Still, the situation as a whole is certainly problematic, said Craig Prescott in The Sunday Times.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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