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
Going north of West Rocky River Road, a 405-unit apartment complex was rezoned on 28 acres that same year. Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025 The barn complex includes six stalls with individual walkouts, two tack rooms, and space for carriages or gym equipment. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 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
  • As some of nature’s most impressive architects, spiders construct intricate webs—some of which even glow under UV light—using various silk types.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Detailed Furniture While most grandmother's homes are filled with old furniture, there's value in the pieces that have intricate detailing and the ability to have a second life with a new owner.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 2 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
  • The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The sophisticated sound work was not yet part of broadcast radio’s lingua franca, but my generation of producers were at least exposed to some of the possibilities inherent in the form.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 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
  • Airwallex also offers its global network of licenses and services to other fintech companies through API integrations, such as facilitating Brex, Rippling, and Deel’s international expansions.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The network also published the complete transcript of the 90-minute interview online.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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