convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: having convolutions
a ram with convoluted horns
2
: involved, intricate
a convoluted argument

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The Origin of Convoluted Isn't

Convoluted comes from Latin convolvere, meaning "to roll up, coil, or twist." It is related to the verb convolute, meaning "to twist or coil." Once something is twisted it can be literally and figuratively difficult to unravel, and can be convoluted.

Examples of convoluted in a Sentence

At base stands a profound respect for the integrity of history and the complex and convoluted relationship between present and the past. Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001
They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone … Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990
… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize … Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas … Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983
a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before
Recent Examples on the Web Her nephew, Travis Finnie, and niece, Alexis Finnie, are compelling interview subjects who offer the most reliable narratives in the often convoluted and poorly constructed series. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 In the convoluted balancing of family needs and desires that happens on these trips back home, a 7-year-old’s confusion does not carry much weight. Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 As the legal landscape becomes more convoluted, not taking this approach while largely relying on contractors exposes you to a potential lack of compliance and, ultimately, hefty fines that could severely hinder your company’s bottom line. Pavel Shynkarenko, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Soon, the array of possible enemies had grown exponentially, and the narratives about who was fighting whom and why grew increasingly convoluted. Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Emmy Awards:Ariana DeBose and Bella Ramsey hug it out following Critics Choice Awards joke Writer Nick Shafir’s entertainingly calamitous premise mines real-world global anxiety, though the plot becomes convoluted heading into the final act as various machinations take hold of the crew members. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2024 Its plausibility enhances the film’s impact, allowing The Beekeeper to eschew convoluted plotlines and intellectual posturing that can weigh down action movies. Giancarlo Sopo, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024 Retirement planning, sometimes perceived as daunting and convoluted, gains clarity when viewed through the lens of complexity. Roger Whitney, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 But now, nearly six years since that trial, McIver, 81, may soon walk out of prison after a plea deal that could mark the end of a tragic and convoluted case of wealth, power and controversy that captured global headlines. Christina Maxouris, CNN, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convoluted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of convolute

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convoluted was in 1766

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Dictionary Entries Near convoluted

Cite this Entry

“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoluted. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: folded or curved in twisted windings
especially : having convolutions
2
: complicated in form : intricate
convoluted phrasing

Medical Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed -ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
: folded in curved or tortuous windings
specifically : having convolutions
the highly convoluted human cerebral cortex

More from Merriam-Webster on convoluted

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