convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: having convolutions
a ram with convoluted horns
2
: involved, intricate
a convoluted argument

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The Origin of Convoluted Isn't

Convoluted comes from Latin convolvere, meaning "to roll up, coil, or twist." It is related to the verb convolute, meaning "to twist or coil." Once something is twisted it can be literally and figuratively difficult to unravel, and can be convoluted.

Examples of convoluted in a Sentence

At base stands a profound respect for the integrity of history and the complex and convoluted relationship between present and the past. Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001
They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone … Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990
… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize … Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas … Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983
a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before
Recent Examples on the Web Inspections have been onerous UNRWA has said that convoluted Israeli inspections hold up aid. Gaya Gupta, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 And the convoluted process means that the terms budget, ... Ron Estes, National Review, 18 Mar. 2024 But their articulation in the work is, in most cases, feeble, perfunctory and completely illegible without the accompaniment of convoluted, brain-draining texts. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Even better, since breakers battle head-to-head in a tournament format, there’s no convoluted points system. Sean Gregory, TIME, 5 Mar. 2024 The new games, Rebirth in particular, also do a great job of expanding on and clarifying the convoluted story of the original, which — despite its length — felt lacking in a lot of areas. Andrew Webster, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Graves took the stand during the trial and offered a convoluted defense. Marilyn W. Thompson, ProPublica, 28 Feb. 2024 Our current safety net is a convoluted collection of state, federal, and local programs, each with its own eligibility criteria and benefits schedule. Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Her nephew, Travis Finnie, and niece, Alexis Finnie, are compelling interview subjects who offer the most reliable narratives in the often convoluted and poorly constructed series. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convoluted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of convolute

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convoluted was in 1766

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Dictionary Entries Near convoluted

Cite this Entry

“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoluted. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: folded or curved in twisted windings
especially : having convolutions
2
: complicated in form : intricate
convoluted phrasing

Medical Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed -ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
: folded in curved or tortuous windings
specifically : having convolutions
the highly convoluted human cerebral cortex

More from Merriam-Webster on convoluted

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