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

Relevance
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 Both formulas feature zinc oxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide physical sun protection, reduce redness and calm the complexion, and hydrate the skin. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026 Social media users have pointed out that Nyong'o's African roots and darker complexion contradict the poet's description of the character. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 Not because anything is particularly wrong, but because my complexion feels weighed down by oil, dead skin, and whatever else has settled into my pores. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 July 2026 This salicylic acid cleanser will help exfoliate away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking more radiant and smooth. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 July 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
  • There is at the same time just the one Garmin Cirqa, and four color options for it.
    — Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • All fruits and vegetables provide micronutrients and antioxidants, but those that are darker and richer in color have higher concentrations of these anti-inflammatory compounds.
    — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026
Definition of color
Noun
  • It is bound up with identity, memory, relationships, safety and the making of the self.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Josh, a perpetual self-optimizer, is convinced that an upswing is just around the corner.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • White and green coloring means the berry isn’t yet ripe and will be tart instead of sweet.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
  • Its elastic bridge straps hug the foot for optimal support, just as a removable OrthoLite insole specializes in soft landings and brand embroidery on the toe contrasts aptly with the kick’s chocolate brown coloring.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of coloring
Noun
  • His Argentina counterpart, Lionel Scaloni, struck the same tone.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The ensuing sequence shifts the tone of the movie into horror.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • To produce the coverage, Telemundo deployed more than 80 on-air personalities representing every Latin American country in the tournament, generating over 700 hours of original programming across 39 days.
    — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Ruled by the sun, this Fire sign has a big heart, a big personality… and sometimes an even bigger ego!
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • The on-again, off-again nature of the conflict could delay oil demand’s bounce-back even further.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The work has proceeded deliberately, district officials say, because of the historic nature of the McAuley building.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Fireworks representing both teams’ national colors blasted off into the humid air as Georges and the other volunteers helped carry the flags away.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Choose Varied Textures In both foliage and flowers, varied textures will keep your eye moving and make the entire garden feel alive and vibrant—even without different colors.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • Each chamber in the intimate inn has its own character, and pairs thoughtful amenities with tech-forward convenience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
  • Mineral-rich soils can add structure and mouthfeel, while climate affects sweetness, body, floral character and astringency.
    — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on complexion

Nglish: Translation of complexion for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All