involute

adjective

ˈin-və-ˌlüt How to pronounce involute (audio)
Definition of involutenext
1
as in complicate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated the novel's deliberately involute plot is intended as a brainteaser for readers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw the chambered nautilus is readily identified by its involute seashell

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 involute Lucid has patented the involute profile of the gear teeth within its transmission, optimized for performance and efficiency to transmit maximum torque under power while spinning with the least resistance otherwise. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involute
  1. complicate
  2. spiral
  3. intricate
  4. winding
  5. complicated
  6. complex
  7. sophisticated
Adjective
  • The company very deliberately targets large enterprise customers, which have the biggest and most complicate supply chain ecosystems.
    — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Wilcox noted that overlaps between substance use and suicide complicate reduction efforts.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
Definition of complicate
Adjective
  • Rubbery flagelliform silk reinforces the capture spiral to absorb shock.
    — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Could the spiral flow from machine to man, from man to machine, and back again?
    — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of spiral
Adjective
  • For the work, Harvey drew on ancient jewelry in the Met collection from Greece, India, and China, and then spent time in the Manufacture learning guillochage, a technique for engraving intricate patterns like leaves and flowers onto metal.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Here the final abode of souls redeemed by Christ in heaven is depicted as an intricate urban environment.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of intricate
Adjective
  • Highway 12 provides for a direct — though slightly more winding and arguably more scenic — drive into the northern and eastern portions of the North Bay.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of winding
Adjective
  • Trump has portrayed the bill as a simple fix to a complicated problem.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Tackling complicated optimization problems Quantum computers could also help with problems involving enormous numbers of possible combinations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • The approach allows engineers to produce complex engine components through advanced manufacturing processes.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • European leaders are expected to work out a package deal to apportion the three vacancies among member countries in a complex round of political bargaining.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of complex
Adjective
  • The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Soviets and their allies might have sophisticated weaponry and boundless barbarity.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of sophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

involuntary
involute
involuted
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Cite this Entry

“Involute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involute. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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