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complexion

noun
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com·​plex·​ion | \ kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio) \

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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Other Words from complexion

complexional \ kəm-​ˈplek-​shnəl How to pronounce complexion (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective
complexioned \ kəm-​ˈplek-​shənd How to pronounce complexion (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms for complexion

Synonyms

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web In the midst of a 27-11 win over Maryland, one play was threatening to change the complexion of an otherwise immaculate season. — Jon Blau, The Indianapolis Star, "Running game, defense step up for No. 12 Hoosiers after Michael Penix injury," 28 Nov. 2020 Foul trouble there would change the team’s complexion and could lead to mismatches if the Cardinals are forced to go small in all five positions. — Shannon Russell, The Courier-Journal, "What to know about highly touted Louisville women's basketball team ahead of 2020-21 season," 24 Nov. 2020 It was complimented with a fresh-faced and barely there complexion. — Blake Newby, Essence, "Tracee Ellis Ross’s Signature Braid Got An Old School Upgrade For The 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards," 17 Nov. 2020 Also in the mix was a bright-eyed man with a smooth complexion and long sideburns to tell us the time, date, and website of the show’s stream. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "A Cappella Singer Mitch Grassi Is Balenciaga’s New Darling," 6 Oct. 2020 Fabian Doss is described as a black man, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a dark complexion, according to the Detroit Police Department. — Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, "Police, family search for 67-year-old man missing in Detroit," 12 Sep. 2020 Since the at-home tool came out nearly 20 years ago, it's earned its spot among the skin care hall of fame for its ability to deliver a healthier, dewier, and softer complexion. — Talia Gutierrez, Glamour, "The PMD Microderm Device Totally Changed the Texture of My Skin," 1 Jan. 2021 Results include plumper skin, minimized pores and a brighter complexion. — Zoe Malin, NBC News, "New and Notable: New products from Burst, Bowflex, Echelon and more," 21 Dec. 2020 The new product's hero ingredient is niacinamide — aka a form of vitamin B that's said to help curb excess oil while minimising the appearance of texture for a clearer and more radiant complexion. — Karina Hoshikawa, refinery29.com, "Glow Recipe’s New Serum Is Instant-Dewy Skin In A Bottle," 9 Dec. 2020

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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First Known Use of complexion

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for complexion

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin complexion-, complexio, from Latin, combination, from complecti

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Time Traveler for complexion

Time Traveler

The first known use of complexion was in the 14th century

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Statistics for complexion

Last Updated

20 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for complexion

complexion

noun
How to pronounce complexion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of complexion

: the color or appearance of the skin especially on the face
: the general appearance or character of something

See the full definition for complexion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion | \ kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio) \

Kids Definition of complexion

: the color or appearance of the skin and especially of the face a fair complexion

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion | \ kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio) \

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

Other Words from complexion

complexioned \ -​shənd How to pronounce complexion (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on complexion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for complexion

Nglish: Translation of complexion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of complexion for Arabic Speakers

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