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complexion

noun

kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
Definition of complexionnext
1
as in color
the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face a sunscreen for people with very light complexions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others changing the complexion of the department to reflect changing needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complexion The zombie – slow moving, with sallow complexion, hollow eyes, rotting teeth and a hunger for human flesh – has been lumbering through Hollywood movies for decades now. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 For a full face bundle, the Line Smoother is bundled with the favorite Baked Balance-n-Brighten Foundation, a combo that delivers a smoother, brighter, more even complexion. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Monaghan, specifically, kept her complexion even-toned and dewy, forgoing powder on the high points of her face to embrace the shine. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026 Finish off with a Daily Sunscreen A luminous, plump complexion is nothing with sun protection. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complexion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complexion
  1. color
  2. self
  3. coloring
  4. tone
  5. personality
  6. nature
  7. colors
  8. character
Noun
  • This could look like pointing out a character’s different skin tone in a board book, or noticing aloud why a toy aisle is divided by color.
    — Anahi Collado, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Other symptoms may include blurred or dim vision, loss of peripheral vision, or decreased color vision.
    — Melissa Rudy , Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of color
Noun
  • In his autobiography, Olivier admits to feeling guilt and self-loathing over the red-hot affair, especially since his wife was pregnant with their son Tarquin.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Monthlies, which get you a live-in super, more laundry in the basement, and a private storage unit, are notably low at $1,094, probably because the co-op is self-managed.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • There was a time when skincare did the treating and makeup did the covering and coloring.
    — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike plants that produce clear fiber and color it later, Prysmian holds a patent for coloring fiber directly on the draw tower.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of coloring
Noun
  • That refusal to settle on a single reading extends to how Fan and Franky calibrated the relationship’s tone on set.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The New York setting also perfectly complements Control Resonant’s irresistible tone.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • Predictable personalities are easier to follow and easier to share.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Yet each one of them has a personality different from every other baby ever born since there has been a world.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • At a time when Congress can’t seem to agree on much, the bipartisan nature and broad support of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act speak volumes about the urgency of the problem and why it must be passed.
    — The Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Art books by their very nature are deluxe, image filled and thoughtfully designed.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • The combination made a striking appearance on the Dries Van Noten runway, proving that two statement colors can, in fact, coexist.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • For example, repeating specific colors or spacing throughout the arrangement helps the eye move easily throughout the design.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • However, the irregular architecture, surviving wooden beams, and 15th-century chapel lend certain spaces genuine local character.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Those scenes play as if the screenwriters gave up on trying to resolve the twisty plot, instead just making their characters tell all, leaving the film’s denouement much less engrossing than its setup.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of character

Browse Nearby Words

complexing
complexion
complexions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complexion. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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