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
Lee Jung-jae says his measure of success for his own performance is telegraphing the complex morality of his character, as Gi-hun constantly calculates the correctness of his choices. Judy Berman, Time, 27 June 2025 The event is the culmination of a monthslong production by wedding planners and, very likely, by teams of lawyers who have combed through the couple’s complex finances to create an ironclad prenuptial agreement. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Noun
The bookseller will take over the space previously occupied by a Party City in the Gateway Station retail complex on the west side of Interstate 35 between McAlister Road and NE Alsbury Boulevard. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 Maxar satellite imagery shows damage at the Fordow underground complex on June 22, 2025. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Many of the children have trauma and complicated needs, and one of the responses may be to run away.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
  • And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The defensive problems mainly came down the right side, where Al Hilal’s intricate wing play mesmerised Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The shell was slightly cold from the water, and what caught her attention most was the intricate, almost mesmerizing pattern etched across its surface.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • The four Vantage facilities in the German deal are fully leased to three hyper-scale companies, all rated AA- or higher, with the largest holding a coveted AAA rating, according to a note from Scope Ratings.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 17 June 2025
  • The system has expanded from Memorial Regional Hospital to multiple facilities in its network.
    Roshan Pawar, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The truth is that almost all the fraud, waste and abuse in the health care system comes from the billing and payment processes and skyrocketing prices, not from people who rely on Medicaid for essential care.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • The city’s ranked choice system allows voters to choose their top five candidates for mayor, plus top picks in other city races.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The budget bill championed by President Donald Trump could complicate next year’s tax filing season after the IRS lost one-quarter of its employees through staffing cuts, an independent watchdog reported Wednesday.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • Adding another first rounder this summer would have complicated both the team’s rotation and salary structure.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • With a clean ring pattern in a range of sophisticated colors, these sets achieve a summer-ready trifecta: crisp, cool, and utterly transportive.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2025
  • Designer Rosanna Bossom and new owner Tara MacBain have blended a sophisticated touch with the exuberance of the 1970s in what was once a sort of gentlemen’s club, and that is now open to everyone, with an alfresco terrace emphasizing its unwavering attachment to the neighborhood.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • No Longer: Rewriting Genetic Fate, which provides a detailed examination of this therapy and other gene therapies. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions Find William A. Haseltine on LinkedIn and X. Join The Conversation Comments 0 One Community.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The deadline to submit detailed proposals is September, and formal bids must be submitted to FIFA at the end of November, according to sources.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The most prominent of these is the Community Self-Defense Coalition, a network of more than sixty advocacy groups, including Black Men Build, the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice, and the local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.
    Emily Witt, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • The market could in theory surpass that $2 trillion figure if stablecoins start to take market share from traditional credit card payment networks, van Batenburg said.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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