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
All come together in a swirl of complex family dynamics. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025 The extremely complex movement incorporates a special ruby duplex escapement and unites grande and petite sonnerie, alarm, and calendar functions. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Warner Castillo said A landlord in Los Angeles allegedly shot and killed a naked intruder in an apartment complex after the intruder broke both of his legs. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025 The apartment complex located near West 12th Street and Fair Park Boulevard is made up of three components, which officials refer to as Madison Heights I, II and III. Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Jacksonville can count on several military facilities, including naval stations and a submarine base, and Washington is, of course, home to the Pentagon.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Information technology company Provalus has selected Harrison as the location for its newest facility.
    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There is no dignity, and no justice, in a system that buries an elderly woman alive in silence.
    Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Since the advent of the transfer portal and the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), there have been countless debates about how to create and adjust a system to establish guardrails when necessary.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But the Supreme Court ruling and ongoing redistricting measures may complicate the political landscape even further.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The aftermath of a ruling against him also could be complicated, if the government must issue refunds for the tariffs that had collected $195 billion in revenue as of September.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.
    NPR, NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Sure, Johnson’s physics-defying mid-air adjustment shows up in college football highlight supercuts, but the networks that run the sport today rarely dig up the footage from the late, great Jefferson Pilot Sports to educate the next generation.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, French company Eutelsat is also building its own alternative low-orbit satellite network.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

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