tangled

adjective

tan·​gled ˈtaŋ-gəld 

1

: existing in or giving the appearance of a state of utter disorder

2

: very involved : exceedingly complex

Synonyms

• baroque
• byzantine
• complex
• complicate
• complicated
• convoluted
• daedal
• elaborate
• intricate
• involute
• involved
• knotty
• labyrinthian
• labyrinthine
• sophisticated

Examples of tangled in a Sentence

it helps to have a lawyer to sort out the tangled contracts that home buyers typically have to contend with

Recent Examples on the Web

At an already challenging time for the city’s finances and public safety, federal investigators have turned the public’s attention toward a tangled web of relationships between powerful figures, political insiders and influential businesses. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024

Within days, the siblings find themselves in a tangled web of clues, red herrings and self-consciously heavy-handed chess metaphors. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Look for an Expert Lawyer Dealing with what comes after a car accident, legally speaking, can get pretty tangled and tough. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Wolf Caroline Travel Jewelry Case Packing jewelry can be tricky—my necklaces always end up tangled and small pieces like earrings always move around in my carry-on. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1