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
As the social-media ecosystem has become more fragmented and complex during the past several years, with new platforms continually emerging and decaying, there’s been some user attrition. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 Smart, Simple, and Now Affordable—The Robot Mower Revolution Has Arrived Just a few years ago, robotic lawn mowers were considered niche tools—pricey, complex, and mostly limited to commercial use or luxury properties. Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
Just eight days after Cox was released from jail in August 2024, his ex-girlfriend reported that her vehicle was vandalized while parked in the garage of her Newport apartment complex, court filings show. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025 There are also exploration instruments, resupply vessels, and complexes like the International Space Station. Fernanda González, Wired News, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • While these may seem a bit too complicated for children, the kit is specifically designed for budding engineers aged 8 to 14 and includes easy-to-understand, age-appropriate instructions.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • That stark reality, Wood said, was part of what compelled him to write the book Among the lessons Wood discusses are the importance of healthy communication, the role of community support and the insights drawn from his own complicated relationship with his father.
    Essence, Essence, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Bayeux Museum in Normandy indicates that the intricate tapestry features 626 characters, 37 buildings, 41 ships and 202 horses and mules.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • With a set that featured lush green hills and intricate cultural motifs, the visuals matched the depth of his message: Puerto Rican culture was front and center — not for explanation but for celebration.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • State law doesn’t allow hospitals to buy, replace or add to their facilities and equipment, except in certain circumstances, without approval from the state.
    Chase Jordan July 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
  • Another panelist, Paul Krekorian, who heads the city’s planning for the Olympics, said that city officials want to add bathrooms, shade structures and water facilities around several neighborhoods that have Olympic venues.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • The low number of six teams per gender for the Olympics has irked some smaller cricket nations who would not be able to qualify through a rankings system.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The case presents a unique test of NIL outside the college sports landscape and in a setting where a player contract and collective bargaining agreements complicate the situation.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 July 2025
  • This exhaustive scientific work is complicated by ongoing legal and ethical concerns.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused Edwin Brant Frost IV and his private lending company First Liberty Building & Loan with allegedly presiding over a sophisticated $140 million Ponzi scheme, according to a civil complaint filed on Thursday in federal court in Atlanta.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • As asset protection strategies become more sophisticated and more common, so does public interest in how wealth is preserved and transferred.
    Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • They are also known for their minimally invasive techniques, smooth recovery experiences, and detailed post-operative support.
    Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
  • But the attempt to throw a lifeline to the fossil fuel industry could be too little, too late, as detailed in this New Yorker article by Bill McKibben.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • For the first time since Nielsen began tracking TV use by platform four years ago — and probably the first time ever, considering broadcast’s dominant place for much of television history — over-the-air networks accounted for less than 20 percent of viewing in June.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • News Politics Growing food fridge network to combat Baltimore’s long-standing scarcity PUBLISHED: July 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM EDT Volunteers launched the Bmore Community Fridge Network to help neighbors struggling with food insecurity access healthy options in food deserts.
    Gabriella Fine, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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