complexion

com·plex·ion | \ kəm-ˈplek-shən

Definition of complexion

1 : the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body

2a : an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling

b : a complex of attitudes and inclinations

3 : the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face a dark complexion

4 : overall aspect or character by changing the complexion of the legislative branch— Trevor Armbrister

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Examples of complexion in a Sentence

She has a dark complexion. All of the children had healthy complexions. The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.

Recent Examples on the Web Generations of women have sought to achieve Marilyn Monroe’s radiant complexion. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "Marilyn Monroe’s Secret to Luminous Skin? Lots and Lots of Vaseline," 14 Nov. 2019 He’s from Liverpool, with the requisite Scouse accent and pale complexion. — Paul Kvinta, Outside Online, "I Bought an Elephant to Find Out How to Save Them," 12 Nov. 2019 The woman was described as black with a medium to dark complexion, between 23 to 33, 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-7, and weighing 140 to 180 pounds, police said. — Liam Ford, chicagotribune.com, "Cops release photos of two wanted in June homicide outside South Side nightclub," 19 Oct. 2019 These ingredients help to exfoliate and improve skin tone, which leads to a radiant complexion. — Nikhita Mahtani, CNN Underscored, "10 top-rated sheet masks you can buy on Amazon right now," 11 Sep. 2019 The beloved activewear brand promises to tackle everything from sweaty hair and body odor to a ruddy complexion, which are all often associated with working out. — Lisa Desantis, Health.com, "We Tried Lululemon's Brand New Skincare and Beauty Line—Here's What We Thought," 18 June 2019 The man who called himself Jackson was described as a black man ages 20 to 24, with a dark complexion and brown eyes, standing about 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall and weighing 130 to 150 pounds. — Katherine Rosenberg-douglas, chicagotribune.com, "Police: 12-year-old girl sexually abused by stranger at Lakeview East coffee shop, witness steps in to help," 6 Nov. 2019 Officials released a photo that showed Washington with medium complexion and a beard. — Clarence Williams, Washington Post, "D.C. police search for man after fatal shooting in Northeast," 24 Oct. 2019 But finding beauty in her complexion is what inspired her to write the moving children’s book. — Jennifer Ford, Essence, "Lupita Nyong’o Looks Skin-Sational on ‘Sulwe’ Press Tour," 21 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'complexion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

4 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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More Definitions for complexion

complexion

noun