convoluted

1 of 2

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd 

1

: having convolutions

a ram with convoluted horns

2

: involved entry 1, intricate

a convoluted argument

convoluted

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of convolute

Did you know?

The Origin of Convoluted Isn't

If you’ve ever felt your brain twisting itself into a pretzel while trying to follow a complicated or hard-to-follow line of reasoning, you’ll appreciate the relative simplicity of the adjective convoluted, which is perfect for describing head-scratchers (and pretzel-makers). Convoluted traces back to the Latin verb convolvere, meaning “to roll up, coil, or twist.” Originally, convoluted (like its predecessor in English, the verb convolute) was used in the context of things having literal convolutions—in other words, twisty things like intestines or a ram’s horns. Over time it expanded to figuratively describe things like arguments, plots, stories, logic, etc., that are intricate or feature many twists and turns that make them difficult to understand.

Synonyms of convoluted

Adjective

• complicated
• intricate
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of convoluted in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Interior-side, Joy and Kayley, still unaware of what’s coming, worry about the guests’ convoluted preference sheets. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

Although its name keeps getting more convoluted, what’s now known as the Quail by Peninsula, a Motorsports Gathering remains simply a concours and automotive exhibition not to be missed. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Rumors swirled among the Americans that the Turks were purposefully sabotaging machinery — or perhaps even engaged in some convoluted form of espionage. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026

Empire of the Sun, the other top Aussie act in the mix, followed Disco Lines with its usual/unusual brand of futuristic, culturally convoluted and yet entirely well-received (at least by the Outside Lands fans) mix of themes and sounds. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of convolute

First Known Use

Adjective

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing convoluted

• convoluted tubule
• distal convoluted tubule
• proximal convoluted tubule

Rhymes for convoluted

• constituted
• executed
• instituted
• parachuted
• persecuted
• prosecuted
• prostituted
• recomputed
• substituted
• undiluted
• undisputed
• unpolluted

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Kids Definition

convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd 

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 

: folded in curved or tortuous windings

specifically : having convolutions

the highly convoluted human cerebral cortex