Thesaurus results for COMPLEX

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

complex 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of complex next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

complex

2 of 3

noun

as in facility

a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex

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as in system

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

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complex

3 of 3

verb

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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complex systems

large systems

sophisticated systems

large-scale systems

hard systems

advanced systems

complex problems

intricate problems

tough problems

sophistical problems

convoluted problems

confusing problems

a complex structure

a difficult structure

a complicated structure

a detailed structure

a large structure

an elaborate structure

complex interactions

sophisticated interactions

detailed interactions

deep interactions

multiple interactions

several interactions

a complex process

a hard process

a long process

a massive process

an involved process

a huge process

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