1
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
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Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complex
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Inspired by the King of Cheeses, cheeses labeled Parmesan will have a similar, but often less complex taste.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
El Helicoide, a brutalist complex sitting atop a hill in central Caracas, is known as one of Latin America’s most notorious detention centers.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
Akhtar won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play Disgraced, which explored identity, faith and cultural heritage through the complex journey of a Pakistani-American lawyer.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Inspired by the King of Cheeses, cheeses labeled Parmesan will have a similar, but often less complex taste.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Written by Kroll and Gabe Liedman (PEN15, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), who serves as showrunner, A Hundred Percent is a half-hour comedy about a group of friends working inside the Thought Leader industrial complex.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
El Helicoide, a brutalist complex sitting atop a hill in central Caracas, is known as one of Latin America’s most notorious detention centers.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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In the meantime, more than 1,500 are expected to be laid off, with the facility eventually expected to employ about 2,100 people.—
Lucas Aulbach,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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MercyOne, UnityPoint and Broadlawns birth centers have accounted for every baby delivered at their facilities in 2025 and released their most popular baby names.—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Park thanked residents across the city for donating and offering help without condition, as well as the volunteers, first responders, workers, faith groups, nonprofits and businesses that stepped in to fill the gaps before government systems could catch up.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Elhawary acknowledged the billionaire tax proposal is a complicating factor in discussions about taxes, which is already a politically fraught issue.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Mental advocates pointed to one misunderstood aspect of a serious mental illness, which complicates ideas of patient autonomy and choice.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Similar to Hudson’s, my find from Nordstrom has a sophisticated mock-neck top and long pants.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Pinabel described the gourmand scent, created by Givaudan perfumers Nisrine Bouazzaoui Grillié and Nadège Le Garlantezec, as chic, elegant and sophisticated.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
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
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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
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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
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Meanwhile, French company Eutelsat is also building its own alternative low-orbit satellite network.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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