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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Carl Fritjofsson,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
Of course, accepting that fact on an emotional level is a complex journey that will take both high schoolers and the countless chaotic characters in their orbit the full hour and 21 minutes to unpack.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
ABC News,
24 June 2026
During construction, the city plans to purchase and renovate space at the Palm Centre complex from the Hialeah Housing Authority to temporarily house the Building Division.
—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
Robotics and defence require integration with the physical world, complex systems, and long customer relationships.
—
Carl Fritjofsson,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
Of course, accepting that fact on an emotional level is a complex journey that will take both high schoolers and the countless chaotic characters in their orbit the full hour and 21 minutes to unpack.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
Noun
The plant is one of the largest gas complexes in the world, according to the General Staff.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
During construction, the city plans to purchase and renovate space at the Palm Centre complex from the Hialeah Housing Authority to temporarily house the Building Division.
—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
-
This will surely bring up some complicated emotions.
-
Behind the glitter, grooves and Grammy-winning legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire sits a more complicated story, revealing a more personal side of the band’s founder, Maurice White.
Adjective
-
The Art Nouveau design incorporates ceiling frescoes, terra-cotta floors, and intricate woodwork.
-
Some limited sets are as affordable as $25, while the largest, most intricate sets can cost up to $500.
Noun
-
The fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights began burning Wednesday, hours after Bass departed for the dedication of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
-
Noncitizens have testified about similar conditions at supposedly temporary ICE detention facilities around the country.
Noun
-
In your view, are the biggest risks from AI systems themselves or from the humans deploying them, the possibility of AI in the hands of rogue actors is particularly concerning here.
-
And critters love to set up inside intake valves, breaking boats’ cooling systems, Hamm noted.
Verb
-
This unforeseen shift now complicates Milwaukee's efforts to acquire a substantial draft-heavy package for their superstar.
-
Trump previously planned to hold a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in May but canceled plans because of poor weather that would have complicated the helicopter flight to the retreat.
Adjective
-
Their 50-acre estate in the center of Rutherford is home to Bordeaux varieties, including the Malbec used to make this sophisticated rosé, which proffers a nose of raspberry, clementine, and freesia.
-
The organic edging and modern handles create a sleek, sophisticated finish.
Adjective
-
Being able to provide a more detailed origin on the label gives the producer a story to tell and lends the wine greater exclusivity.
-
See below for a more detailed methodology.
Noun
-
The operation now includes livestock, educational programs and a network of volunteers helping sustain the nonprofit's work.
-
Already used by luxury houses including Chanel and a network of international suppliers, the technology aims to preserve the visual precision and spontaneity of face-to-face meetings for design reviews, fittings and product development.
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
