involved 1 of 2

involved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of involve
1
as in affected
to be the business or affair of this isn't something that involves you, so don't worry about it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective involved differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of involved are complex, complicated, intricate, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When is it sensible to use complex instead of involved?

In some situations, the words complex and involved are roughly equivalent. However, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than involved?

The synonyms complicated and involved are sometimes interchangeable, but complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

Where would intricate be a reasonable alternative to involved?

While in some cases nearly identical to involved, intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

In what contexts can knotty take the place of involved?

The meanings of knotty and involved largely overlap; however, 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 involved
Adjective
Brady’s previous writing work includes penning an episode of Everything Now, Left Bank Pictures’ young adult Netflix series, which was cancelled after one season to the disappointment of all involved. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025 Sununu has long advocated that the United States should take a less involved role in expressing what Palestinians should or should not do. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
When personal relationships unfold within professional power structures, the consequences extend far beyond the couple involved. Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 Punishment for her infractions involved the loss of visitation, canteen and telephone privileges. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for involved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involved
Adjective
  • The flare suggests there are unknown populations of giant stars near the centers of large galaxies, which also host supermassive black holes — and sheds light on the complicated interactions between two behemoths.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • What unites them is Dern’s ability to find the humanity in characters navigating life’s most complicated terrain.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.
    NPR, NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • My thoughts are with everyone affected.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Are international flights affected?
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Airports particularly affected at that time included San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California (56 disruptions), Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida (36) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California (28).
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Tommaso di Lampedusa’s novel, which looks at the unification of Italy from the perspective of a 20th-century writer, had a modernity that interested me.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Since his death more than two hundred years ago, Christophe’s tragic story has interested a broad array of playwrights, artists, novelists, and filmmakers across the world.
    Marlene L. Daut September 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the sweet side — wrapped bundt cakes, tins filled with dainty cookies as well as brownies, tarts, pies and beverages.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Grande recently wrapped filming the new installment of the Meet the Parents film franchise, Focker In-Law.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
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
  • Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Involved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involved. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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