complex

²com·plex

adj \käm-ˈpleks, kəm-ˈ, ˈkäm-ˌ\

Definition of COMPLEX

1

a : composed of two or more parts : composite b (1) of a word : having a bound form as one or more of its immediate constituents <unmanly is a complex word> (2) of a sentence : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses

2

: hard to separate, analyze, or solve

3

: of, concerned with, being, or containing complex numbers <a complex root> <complex analysis>

— com·plex·ly adverb

— com·plex·ness noun

Examples of COMPLEX

1. The house's wiring is complex.
2. The situation is more complex than you realize.

Origin of COMPLEX

Latin complexus, past participle of complecti to embrace, comprise (a multitude of objects), from com- + plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use: 1645

Related to COMPLEX

Synonyms: baroque, byzantine, complicate, complicated, convoluted, daedal, elaborate, intricate, involute, involved, knotty, labyrinthian, labyrinthine, sophisticated, tangled

Antonyms: noncomplex, noncomplicated, plain, simple, uncomplicated

Related Words: overcomplex, overcomplicated; composite, compound, heterogeneous, mixed, multibranched, multifaceted, multifarious, multipart, varied; challenging, difficult, tough; impenetrable, incomprehensible, inexplicable, Kafkaesque, unfathomable, unintelligible

Near Antonyms: oversimplified, simplified, simplistic; homogeneous, uniform, unvaried

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of COMPLEX

complex, complicated, intricate, involved, knotty 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>. complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining <complicated legal procedures>. intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately <an intricate web of deceit>. involved implies extreme complication and often disorder <a rambling, involved explanation>. knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable <knotty ethical questions>.