complex 1 of 3

complex

2 of 3

noun

1
as in facility
a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in system
something made up of many interdependent or related parts a complex of government programs designed to assist the needy

Synonyms & Similar Words

complex

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective complex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than complex?

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might intricate be a better fit than complex?

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is it sensible to use involved instead of complex?

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When would knotty be a good substitute for complex?

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complex
Adjective
The hospital was the first Belgian hospital to introduce the single port Da Vinci robot, enabling complex procedures through a single incision or natural orifice. Christophe Mouton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Best Amazon Prime Day Last-Chance Elementary-Age Toy Deals Children between the ages of 5 and 11 are developing more complex social, emotional, and problem-solving skills, and age-appropriate toys can help support them during this critical developmental stage. Gabrielle Applebury, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
The program is designed to follow orders from its user, Julian, a tech geek with a god complex. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025 In Khan Younis, five schools in a complex, which educated a total of 6,915 students, according to UNICEF, were destroyed in August of this year, satellite images show. Victoria Beaule, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Moscow has denied involvement, and security analysts caution that attribution is complicated.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • On a journey spanning four continents, the Kohlers will battle physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, navigate the complicated world of visas and hopefully break three world records in the process.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lego Wicked Emerald City Wall Art This intricate 1,518-piece Emerald City Lego set is bound to keep adults and kids busy ahead of the new movie.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The team found that actual methane and nitrous oxide emissions from these facilities were far higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Israel, meanwhile, has emerged from the war in a much stronger security position after decimating Hamas in Gaza, slamming Hezbollah in Lebanon, and hammering Iran's nuclear facilities.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Heavy rare earths are almost exclusively produced by China and essential for advanced technologies, powering high-performance magnets, semiconductors, and precision military systems.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Keney innovations include RibbonFET, a new transistor architecture enabling efficient scaling, and PowerVia, a backside power delivery system enhancing energy flow.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Moscow has also touted a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) capability, enabling warheads to be placed on low-Earth orbital trajectories toward their targets, a profile that complicates early detection and interception.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • After excluding visits for VOC complicated by other diagnoses that necessitated an ESI 2 and visits for other acute sickle cell disease complications, the study included 66 ED visits by 41 patients.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Burnett, the spokesperson for the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, said the scam calls have increased in frequency in recent years and become more sophisticated in the last year.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Cunlin Button-down Shirt There aren’t many clothing pieces that look more sophisticated than a crisp button-up shirt.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Daryl Crouch was Green Hill's pastor from 2012-2021 and now serves as executive director of Everyone's Wilson, a network of churches that work to create spiritual and social initiatives in the community.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • As a result, UnitedHealthcare no longer considers Ascension Wisconsin hospitals and providers as in-network.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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