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complicated

Q: How does the adjective 'complicated' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complicated are complex , intricate , involved , and knotty . While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. // complicated legal procedures

Q: When might 'complex' be a better fit than 'complicated'?

The words complex and complicated can be used in similar contexts, but complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure. // a complex recipe

Q: When would 'intricate' be a good substitute for 'complicated'?

The synonyms intricate and complicated 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'involved' instead of 'complicated'?

The words involved and complicated are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder. // a rambling, involved explanation

Q: When is 'knotty' a more appropriate choice than 'complicated'?

Although the words knotty and complicated have much in common, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable. // knotty ethical questions

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Synonyms & Antonyms of complicated

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated

a complicated apparatus

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2 made or done with great care or with much detail

complicated plans for redeveloping the riverfront that involve both the private and public sectors

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complicated

verb

past tense of complicate

Synonyms & Antonyms of complicated (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to make complex or difficult

the need to go to both a PTA conference and condo board meeting really complicates tonight's schedule

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oversimplified

Antonyms for complicated

2 to make more severe

asthma that has recently been complicated by a bout of bronchitis

Synonyms for complicated

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Antonyms for complicated

Frequently Asked Questions About complicated

How does the adjective complicated differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complicated are complex, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might complex be a better fit than complicated?

The words complex and complicated can be used in similar contexts, but complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When would intricate be a good substitute for complicated?

The synonyms intricate and complicated 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 complicated?

The words involved and complicated are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When is knotty a more appropriate choice than complicated?

Although the words knotty and complicated have much in common, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions