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
as in complexity
the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects
a coffee-making machine of such staggering complexness as to be worthy of Rube Goldberg himself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
complex systems
complex 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
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
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025
The humor in Mafalda toggles from complex wordplay to visual humor to political allegory.
—Alex Dueben
july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The four-story complex will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units that are income-restricted for people earning at or below various levels of the Austin-area's median household income.
—Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
When the tour hit Newcastle, England, a week later, the primitive analog tape machine the band used to play the complex Quadrophenia songs malfunctioned.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025
The humor in Mafalda toggles from complex wordplay to visual humor to political allegory.
—Alex Dueben
july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Noun
Peru's forward #22 Mia Obando kicks the ball during the Women's Copa America 2025 football match between Peru and Ecuador at the Independiente del Valle complex in Quito on July 15, 2025.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The four-story complex will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units that are income-restricted for people earning at or below various levels of the Austin-area's median household income.
—Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
-
The distinction between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment is quite simple, but understanding why the former can be a better option than the latter is slightly more complicated.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
21 July 2025
-
The situation is even more complicated if short skirts are part of the equation.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Nearby, Peacock Alley Lounge—the beating heart of the hotel–now feels more like a salon, with musicians playing nightly and guests craning for a closer look at the intricate ceiling.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
25 July 2025
-
Anne Hathaway wears an intricate scarf and shades on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York City on July 25.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
This complicates things because Brianna can’t shake the feeling that maybe Roman was sent to spy on them.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
31 July 2025
-
Analysts see signs of a shift toward easing—possibly beginning in September—but warn that President Trump’s fiscal policies may complicate Fed chair Jerome Powell’s efforts to control inflation, regardless of rate decisions.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
What stands out most about the set is the classic hammered glass design of the dispensers and the ornate accents of the stand, which give everything a sophisticated, timeless feel.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
-
Private-equity firms and non-bank lenders have grown impressively over the last few decades due to substantial demand for their offerings from those sophisticated investors.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Norwegian man is accused of giving detailed information on embassy employees, diplomats, and their families, as well as floor plans of the embassy, safety practices, photos of the facilities, and visitors to Russian and Iranian handlers.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
-
In a recent presentation at Salesforce's London DX conference, one session showed how AI can look at a Salesforce configuration, draw the process diagrams for an area and then identify agentic use cases based on a detailed framework.—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Made of solid and veneered walnut with elegant brass details, the Cotu (from the makers of our favorite bar cabinets) is a delightful midcentury-style bar cart that has a distinctive asymmetrical incline on each shelf.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 July 2025
-
Baden-Baden Nestled alongside Germany's southwestern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant town that has been attracting wellness lovers since the Roman times.—
Sofia Markovich,
Travel + Leisure,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Christian extremists overthrow the U.S. government and institute an elaborate system of reproductive slavery: Fertile women are sent to live with high-ranking officials who rape and impregnate them, then take the children to raise as their own.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
-
Real crypto price discovery continues to happen in spot markets, through ETFs, and via genuine institutional adoption - not through the elaborate financial engineering of treasury companies trading at massive premiums to their underlying assets.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share