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

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complex systems
large 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

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
Preventing and managing migraines can be complex, but small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful relief over time. Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025 But beneath the three-piece suit, there’s a more complex side to Trent, who navigates the residual trauma from being abandoned at birth and growing up in the Atlanta foster care system. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
Against that industry backdrop, Hudson Pacific and Blackstone recently put on hold plans to build a 91-acre film and TV studio complex in the UK, which had been touted as the first foray outside the U.S. market for the Sunset Studios brand. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 When the complex was evacuated, most residents were housed with family members and the remainder were provided rooms in hotels, the fire chief said. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Since then, however, there have been new revelations in their complicated family dynamics.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • But every one of those steps was much more complicated for abelian surfaces.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Design and Accommodations With glossy lacquered wood, intricate marquetry, sumptuous fabrics, and lamps by Lalique and Baccarat, the VSOE exudes Jazz Age glamour.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • The subtle hum of intricate mechanics, the remarkably articulate gesture of a synthetic limb, the disquieting echo of human movement – humanoid robots are no longer relegated to the realm of fiction.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Knopp encouraged the commissioners to take time this summer to visit arts facilities in Carlsbad, Escondido and Poway and collect revenue-generating ideas, then craft some recommendations for the council this fall.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Other sites under the agency's safeguards include a miniature neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs that can process yellow-cake uranium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over the last decade, water has accounted for 85-90% of direct fatalities from tropical systems.
    Mallory Nicholls, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • Key to his platform were a flat tax, medical savings accounts, a new Social Security system for working Americans, parental choice of schools for their children, term limits and a strong national defense.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • But Lijn’s mechanized drama is a resolutely feminist one, a face-off between two cyborgs who both conjure and complicate the archetypes of the nature goddess and the murderous woman.
    Marina Isgro, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • One is the long-running foreclosure of 57-75 Pratt St. involving Shelbourne has complicated the leasing of prominent, vacant storefronts in those buildings.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Its one-shoulder neckline and tonal floral texture feel sophisticated yet fun—ideal for summer weddings or rooftop cocktails.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Create a detailed picture of how my mornings could be different.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The team credits their detailed simulation to the power of cutting-edge computing.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The project, which was approved by the Surface Transportation Board during the Biden administration in 2021, is an 88-mile rail line that would connect Utah’s Uinta Basin to a national tran network that would ultimately enable it to get to refineries along the Gulf of Mexico.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 29 May 2025
  • Through these continuous engagements, the team is gaining strategic visibility and connecting with a network of supporters who recognise the powerful intersection of sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and policy.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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