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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complex
Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
The complex, which comprises 21 museums and the National Zoo, is classified as nonessential and would likely suspend operations if funding were to lapse.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
No complex rear-wheel steering or complicated stability control required, unlike much heavier enthusiast fare on the market.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Zoë and Sarah suddenly find themselves in a complex conspiracy that reveals people long believed dead are still among the living, while the living are fast joining the dead.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Smithsonian, which bills itself as the world’s largest museum complex, oversees 21 museums and the National Zoo.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
The complex, which comprises 21 museums and the National Zoo, is classified as nonessential and would likely suspend operations if funding were to lapse.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
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Moscow has denied involvement, and security analysts caution that attribution is complicated.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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On a journey spanning four continents, the Kohlers will battle physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, navigate the complicated world of visas and hopefully break three world records in the process.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In Minnesota, there are contests for rosemaling, a Norwegian folk art, which is characterized by intricate patterns of flowers and swirls.—
Ayana Archie,
NPR,
27 Sep. 2025
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Captains also have the critical power to choose which players to pair together, an intricate dance of team chemistry and opposition matchup that can make or break a Ryder Cup bid.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In addition to retail sales, some of these items were distributed to schools and Department of Defense facilities, although the USDA noted that the school distribution was not part of the National School Lunch Program.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials are directed to stay open; however, buildings and facilities that generally remain locked during business hours, such as visitor centers, will remain closed.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Vehicles included in this recall may have an error in the instrument panel software at startup, failing to show speed, brake system information, and tire pressure warning lights.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But there have been some career stumbles recently, a superhero disappointment in particular, that must have complicated Johnson’s conception of his remarkable career.—
Richard Lawson,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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Private payrolls plunged in September, complicating the picture for the US economy as policymakers and investors struggle to assess the state of the labor market amid a government shutdown.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Fabiana Filippi The intellectually sophisticated references behind Fabiana Filippi’s spring 2026 collection hinged on work of master photographers Vivian Maier, Arne Svenson and Luigi Ghirri, perfectly shown in the ultra-refined, textured daywear.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
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There were also more relaxed but sophisticated looks, such as the tunics and coats with mandarin collars.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.—
Rachel Wegner,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Tides Center, part of the larger Tides network, is under House Ways and Means Committee scrutiny for supporting anti-Israel groups like the Adalah Justice Project, Palestine Legal, the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, and the Catalyst Project.—
Christine Valora,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Sep. 2025
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More fat on the arms, legs and trunk was linked to a thinner cortex in the brain’s default-mode and limbic networks – systems that support memory, internal focus and emotional regulation – pointing to slightly less efficient recall and mood control.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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