complexion

noun

kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
Definition of complexionnext
1
as in color
the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face a sunscreen for people with very light complexions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others changing the complexion of the department to reflect changing needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 complexion The suspect was described as a man with a dark complexion, about 6-foot-2, and was last seen wearing a hat and a T-shirt, NBC reported. — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026 There’s also caffeine, which brightens a tired-looking complexion and helps offset puffy undereyes. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026 Tons of top-sellers are marked down ahead of the big day, like this Laneige lip mask that hardly ever goes on sale and this K-beauty reparative serum designed to hydrate, smooth, and soothe complexions. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 The zombie – slow moving, with sallow complexion, hollow eyes, rotting teeth and a hunger for human flesh – has been lumbering through Hollywood movies for decades now. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complexion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complexion
  1. color
  2. self
  3. coloring
  4. tone
  5. personality
  6. nature
  7. colors
  8. character
Noun
  • Choose from 20 colors and patterns, each with an elastic waistband, deep pockets, and tulip hems.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This year, as NBC broadcasts its first MLB playoff games since 2000, at least a few color guys are getting a couple more days on board.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of color
Noun
  • Particularly in instances like these, replace negative self-talk with self-compassion.
    — Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • As the duo row through pitch-black darkness toward the flame, John experiences harrowing visions of his father and of his younger self, revealed to be an effect of the fear toxin lingering in the air.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • There was a time when skincare did the treating and makeup did the covering and coloring.
    — Mickey Williams, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike plants that produce clear fiber and color it later, Prysmian holds a patent for coloring fiber directly on the draw tower.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of coloring
Noun
  • The tone creeps into despair as the scales fall from Sutskever’s eyes.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The lineup is generally made up of Ikea’s signature neutral tones like pine, black, and white, and highlighted with pops of Xbox green.
    — Bee Wertheimer, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • Useful feedback can sharpen the execution without flattening the personality.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Besties in Haunted High will debut globally on October 13 comprising six 30-minute episodes, following the online personalities as their school’s empty Halloween dance turns into a nightmare.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Swarup’s book exposes the cynical nature of the quiz show, dangling a literal lifeline to desperate people for the sake of entertainment.
    — L.M. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Every extra dollar went toward our goal of creating a life with more freedom, access to nature and quality time together as a family.
    — Alicia Sanchez, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • In addition to this trendy cherry red, there are more colors to peruse including classic black, soft pale blue, approachable gray, and more.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Although these are all colors associated with different lightsabers, that choice was unintentional, Scanlon says.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • The conversation and the word itself, which gives the seventh and final episode its title, unlocks the Biblical underpinnings and the complexities governing many of the main characters.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Still, the endeavor feels worth it for Pugh and Lee’s standout efforts, which etch their characters deep into one’s memory.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of character

Browse Nearby Words

complexing
complexion
complexions
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Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complexion. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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