as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
spent his first year at the Pentagon just trying to fathom its byzantine workings
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Recent Examples of byzantine
Their journey spans icy fjords, Byzantine intrigue, and the fabled Silk Road, blending Viking grit with ancient Chinese wisdom, unexpected alliances, and a touch of magic.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Many people who navigated America’s byzantine immigration and citizenship process for years were also angry at the perception that legal status was being bestowed effortlessly on entirely new groups of people.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Finds Connecting Britain to the World Royal burials like that at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, and Prittlewell, Essex, contained objects from far afield, including Byzantine silver bowls and a jug from the eastern Mediterranean.
—Duncan Sayer, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025
There are several key sites to explore, like Le Castella, an imposing Medieval fortress on the sea; Santa Severina’s Byzantine architecture and Norman Castle; and Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, known for its Greek and Roman temples and ruins.
—Gary Portuesi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025
Similar underground storage pits and cisterns are beneath the Church of the Annunciation, among ruins traditionally identified, since the Byzantine period, as Mary’s house.
—Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
The Byzantine era began in the early or late 300s, and ended in 1453 with the invasion of Constantinople by the Ottomans.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
One upshot of the menu’s byzantine sprawl is that every visit offers something new to discover.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Congress had enacted byzantine eligibility requirements for disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits, forcing the agency to expend huge amounts of time and money running those programs.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Many people who navigated America’s byzantine immigration and citizenship process for years were also angry at the perception that legal status was being bestowed effortlessly on entirely new groups of people.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Finds Connecting Britain to the World Royal burials like that at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, and Prittlewell, Essex, contained objects from far afield, including Byzantine silver bowls and a jug from the eastern Mediterranean.
—Duncan Sayer, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025
There are several key sites to explore, like Le Castella, an imposing Medieval fortress on the sea; Santa Severina’s Byzantine architecture and Norman Castle; and Capo Colonna Archaeological Park, known for its Greek and Roman temples and ruins.
—Gary Portuesi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025
Similar underground storage pits and cisterns are beneath the Church of the Annunciation, among ruins traditionally identified, since the Byzantine period, as Mary’s house.
—Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
The Byzantine era began in the early or late 300s, and ended in 1453 with the invasion of Constantinople by the Ottomans.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
One upshot of the menu’s byzantine sprawl is that every visit offers something new to discover.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Congress had enacted byzantine eligibility requirements for disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits, forcing the agency to expend huge amounts of time and money running those programs.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byzantine
Adjective
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The flare suggests there are unknown populations of giant stars near the centers of large galaxies, which also host supermassive black holes — and sheds light on the complicated interactions between two behemoths.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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What unites them is Dern’s ability to find the humanity in characters navigating life’s most complicated terrain.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The reality is that housing production is a very complex issue.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
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And the drive to solve complex problems started early.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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China launches its largest naval aircraft carrier China’s largest and most sophisticated aircraft carrier entered active service, the latest sign of Beijing’s growing naval might.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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When in doubt, cozy gifts are also a no-brainer option, from Olivia von Halle’s silky-and-sophisticated pajamas to the pricey yet worth-it Matteo Robe from Matouk.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Byzantine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byzantine. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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