Definition of knotty
knottier
;knottiest
: marked by or full of knots; especially : so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution a knotty problem
knottiness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of knotty in a Sentence
the knotty problems that arise when every nation is part of the global marketplace
the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues
Recent Examples of knotty from the Web
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If period dramas concerned with the lives of kings and presidents and aristocrats show us the tapestry of historical narrative, then Harlots shows us its knotty reverse-side.
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And that’s not the only hamlet at play here: Showrunner Kurt Sutter, who cut his teeth on The Shield, has made no secret of basing the show on Shakespeare’s knottiest tale of familial betrayal.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knotty'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of knotty
13th century
Synonym Discussion of knotty
KNOTTY Defined for English Language Learners
knotty
playDefinition of knotty for English Language Learners
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of wood : having many dark round marks showing where branches grew : having many knots
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: difficult or complicated
KNOTTY Defined for Kids
Learn More about knotty
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See words that rhyme with knotty Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for knotty Spanish Central: Translation of knotty Nglish: Translation of knotty for Spanish speakers
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