complex 1 of 4

complex

2 of 4

noun (1)

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 4

verb

complexness

4 of 4

noun (2)

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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

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
Last year, Jarrett contributed to research suggesting the Vikings participated in more complex trading routes with Indigenous Arctic tribes than previously believed. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025 Once seen as a simple roadmap toward sustainability, this mantra now conceals a far more complex and troubling reality. Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2025
Noun
Meanwhile, Dorough and his brother John Dorough have been busy with real estate development projects, having just opened a Hyatt Place property with a rooftop bar in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as well as a condominium complex, The Surf, at Cocoa Beach. Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 The developer behind the Aloe Palm Canyon complex in Palm Springs, the West Hollywood Community Housing Corp., benefited from three loans from the fund totaling more than $11 million. Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • My work centers Native characters who are fully human: messy, funny, complicated.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 May 2025
  • The result is a mosaic of broods that makes the jigsaw puzzle of periodical cicada distribution more complicated, but more interesting.
    Chris Simon, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Design and Accommodations With glossy lacquered wood, intricate marquetry, sumptuous fabrics, and lamps by Lalique and Baccarat, the VSOE exudes Jazz Age glamour.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • The subtle hum of intricate mechanics, the remarkably articulate gesture of a synthetic limb, the disquieting echo of human movement – humanoid robots are no longer relegated to the realm of fiction.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Start connecting with your ideal clients today Getting calls with your dream customers isn't complicated.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • While their relationship is complicated, to say the least, Serena doesn't want to see June executed.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Modern manufacturing already relies on robotics, computer vision, predictive maintenance and sophisticated supply chain optimization.
    Richard Lebovitz, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • For active traders seeking sophisticated, flexible trading tools, Robinhood Legend has arrived, introducing a new way to trade.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Related: Read our SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy guide for a detailed look $47.99 at Amazon Starship Die Cast Rocket Model Now $47.99 on Amazon.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 23 May 2025
  • The program is free for residents, who can check their eligibility and review detailed instructions for soil collection on the department’s soil-testing program website.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Over roughly a decade, approximately 8,000 giant sequoias — some aged over 2,000 years — were felled using cross-cut saws, axes, steam donkeys and elaborate flume systems that transported logs to distant mills.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Because the Shoreline would consist mostly of permeable surfaces that allow rainwater to penetrate into the ground, an elaborate system would be unnecessary, Stearns, Mullerat and Regalado say.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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