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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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of complex

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 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

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Antonyms for complex

2 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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complex

noun

Synonyms of complex (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose

an apartment complex

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2 something made up of many interdependent or related parts

a complex of government programs designed to assist the needy

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supersystem

complex

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of complex (Entry 3 of 3)

to make complex or difficult

there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit

Synonyms for complex

Words Related to complex

snarl,
tangle

Near Antonyms for complex

oversimplify

Antonyms for complex

Frequently Asked Questions About complex

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