complicated 1 of 3

Definition of complicatednext

complicatedness

2 of 3

noun

complicated

3 of 3

verb

past tense of complicate

Synonym Chooser

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

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 complicated
Adjective
The film is also charting strongly in parts of the Middle East, where India-Pakistan political sensitivities can make theatrical releases for this kind of material complicated or commercially risky – leaving streaming as the cleaner route to audiences in expatriate-heavy territories. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026 The long history, complicated history of Puerto Rico and the mainland. Courtney Cole, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Overnight snow may have complicated Friday's morning commute throughout Milwaukee, but the National Weather Service says residents will get a break from precipitation. Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026 The multi-year restoration project was complicated by a lack of plans. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complicated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complicated
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.
    MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It was produced by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York and provides an even more detailed overview of other interviews conducted by the New York State Attorney’s Office and the FBI with victims, witnesses and people associated with Epstein.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But district leaders said a recent increase in protests — particularly those that moved off campus — prompted the need for clearer, more detailed protocols.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That complexity has become increasingly relevant as the IOC considers additional eligibility rules, such as genetic or chromosomal tests.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For all the technical complexity, there are also unique pleasures to directing the Muppets.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The tech industry has pounced on the idea that robots will soon be sophisticated enough to replace humans in a host of tasks, with more than $3 billion in venture funding going to humanoid development last year.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Flavors Defining the Savory Girl Era The savory girl is sophisticated, with a mature palate that appreciates complex flavors.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Buer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated elderly abuse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the murder.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
  • He was specifically asked about a report that Maye was dealing with a shoulder issue before the Broncos game and then aggravated it.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That alone distinguishes Bienvenu’s take on a futuristic reality from most sci-fi narratives, which often occur in sleek, cold labs, desolate planets, or intricate spaceships floating in the vastness of space.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The dress was adorned with intricate three-dimensional floral details at the top and also down at the hip at the start of the slit, with more delicate beaded embellishments cascading along the bare leg.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • More complex filings, such as returns involving small businesses with employees, rental income or the alternative minimum tax, may not be eligible for preparation, according to the program’s website.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The company says the architecture supports predictable handling during complex flight phases.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the give-and-take between Goldsworthy and the farmers of Penpont has deepened, the latter have become accustomed to the sight of the artist gathering wood or stones or fallen trees.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Guthrie’s disappearance, which police initially said was a missing person case, was odd from the beginning, and the mystery has only deepened with time.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complicated. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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