complexion

noun

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

Other Words from complexion Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about complexion

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Other Words from complexion

complexional \ kəm-ˈplek-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl \ adjective

complexioned \ kəm-ˈplek-shənd

\ adjective

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

The complexion of the audience is also changing—slowly. — The Economist, "An opera boom in the Gulf," 15 June 2019 Black rectangular reading glasses elegantly set off his pale complexion and top-to-bottom verticality: tall body (6-foot-6), tall nose, tall forehead. — Devin Gordon, New York Times, "Meet the Money Whisperer to the Super-Rich N.B.A. Elite," 6 June 2019 In addition to exfoliating skin to reveal a brighter, complexion, the alpha hydroxy acid peel is packaged with a moisturizing mask that goes on as soon as the peel has dried on your face (about 30 seconds). — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Are You Exfoliating Your Face Wrong?," 11 July 2018 The actress, who’s opened up about her struggle with psoriasis and sensitive skin before, relies on Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to maintain her glowing complexion, too. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "La La Anthony Says Kylie Jenner Has Motherhood 'Down Pat'," 11 May 2018 Or a complexion-saving facial oil formulated in a heart-stopping red hue? — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "6 New Heart-Stopping Lipsticks, Lacquers, and More—Just in Time for Valentine’s Day," 5 Feb. 2019 And in keeping with the retro-leaning reference, her preternaturally luminous complexion was enhanced with a subtle flush on the cheeks and slick of petal pink on the mouth. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Jessica Alba Channels Catherine Deneuve With an Iconic French Beauty Look," 17 May 2019 Frequently applying a high-SPF no matter what will shield your complexion from painful burns and protect against skin cancer. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Why Your Sunburn Itches — And How to Stop It," 19 Apr. 2019 The disparity in the responses to red states and blue states continues to exacerbate the nation’s partisan complexion, injected now even into natural disasters. — Matt Viser, The Seattle Times, "Trump blames California for natural disaster, adding to denunciations of strongly Democratic state," 13 Nov. 2018

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.