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

In The Better Sister, Jessica Biel stars as Chloe, a successful magazine editor whose polished surface belies the tangled mess of her past. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 18 June 2025

Advertisement The answer in part shows the tangled web of personalities and businesses drawn into the dispute, and the confluence of legal and public relations strategies at play. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024

The tangled web of secrets, lies and riches on the ranch eventually leaves someone dead, leaving readers to follow along as the mystery unfolds. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 5 June 2025

With every new episode, Ginny & Georgia pulls viewers further into a tangled web of secrets, jaw-dropping plot twists, and raw drama. —EW.com, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tangled

• angled
• dangled
• fangled
• jangled
• mangled
• spangled
• strangled
• wrangled
• disentangled
• entangled
• newfangled
• untangled