1
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
this medical device is a complex instrument that requires careful handling complex issues regarding free speech and school discipline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intricate
made or done with great care or with much detail
a complex plan for evacuating the city in the event of a natural disaster
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult
there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complex
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Their cases often hinge on translating thousands of pages of complex medical records into legal arguments - work that can spell the difference between a family’s financial collapse or survival.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The complex hosted 46 events in the last fiscal year, which brought in 99,136 visitors and led to 14,197 hotel bookings, according to county data.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
The snowpack is complex and changes constantly — no amount of gut instinct replaces structured education in reading terrain, identifying weak layers, and making go/no-go decisions.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Their cases often hinge on translating thousands of pages of complex medical records into legal arguments - work that can spell the difference between a family’s financial collapse or survival.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
Travel websites and content creators continue to refer to the PATH as the world’s largest underground shopping complex today.
—Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The complex hosted 46 events in the last fiscal year, which brought in 99,136 visitors and led to 14,197 hotel bookings, according to county data.
—Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
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Our approaches can be critical, satirical, comical, dramatic, poetic, but will always be complex and complicated.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
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This is a complicated portrait of a person who believed in the good of wild animals and ultimately died as a result.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fiddle-leaf figs, with their bold, rounded leaves, pair beautifully with round motifs, while palms, with their slender, whispery fronds, are perfect for accenting more delicate or intricate prints.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
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Almost as soon as it’s completed, this intricate system becomes invisible forever when the foundation and then the building itself are placed over it, leaving no room for errors.—
Vanessa Bates Ramirez,
Scientific American,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Colgate facility sits on the North Yuba River upstream of Englebright Dam, which feeds the lower Yuba.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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In the case at hand, the defendants have been indicted in connection with the July 4 shooting of a local police lieutenant outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Johnson County.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 17,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For Chinese consumers today, luxury is being redefined from external markers of status to internal systems of meaning.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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These boats have the vertical launch system (VLS), which could be used to fire new high-speed anti-ship missiles displayed at China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing last fall.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In any event, comparisons between hospitals’ nursing contracts are complicated because facilities may have different units and other specifics.—
Philip Marcelo,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
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The situation has been complicated by the refusal of congressional Democrats to vote for a new budget for Noem’s department, which has caused a partial government shutdown that is expected to last at least into next week.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Wine bar Counter Reformation is one of town’s top spots for a pour and sophisticated small plates.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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While the weight and material of the set is noteworthy, the beautiful matelassé-style pattern—complete with floral motifs and geometric designs—adds a sophisticated touch to any space.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The observations provide the most detailed picture yet of where the planet’s auroras form and how energy moves through its atmosphere.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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The Sierra Avalanche Center provides a detailed two-day avalanche danger forecast on its website.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This information often signals confidence, especially at times when network usage spikes and the Ethereum price appreciates.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
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Karst environments form when soluble rock dissolves over time, creating networks of caves, sinkholes and underground waterways.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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