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
In a confessional, Georgi expressed concern that Stacey had become too involved in his relationship. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 In the recent gunfire incident on Fruitvale Avenue, that shooting occurred after the man became involved in a confrontation with a group of men. George Avalos, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
In early September, Secretary of Security Omar García Harfuch announced that authorities had arrested 14 people allegedly involved in a large-scale fuel smuggling scheme. Michael Rios, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 One trial, in Brazil, involved donning a pair of gloves sewn with bullet ants, their stingers facing inward. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for involved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involved
Adjective
  • Moscow has denied involvement, and security analysts caution that attribution is complicated.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • On a journey spanning four continents, the Kohlers will battle physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, navigate the complicated world of visas and hopefully break three world records in the process.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While other accounts had described Desai’s role, Doshi’s research painted a far more detailed picture.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Tennessean requested additional records to learn how many of those students are enrolled at each school, along with more detailed demographic information on the students.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Heat and humidity have also affected the Shanghai Masters, which is running alongside the Wuhan Open.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Thousands of passengers on dozens of flights were affected, with some having to sleep in the airport.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Analyzing its grocery orders that included candy in 2024, Instacart found each state's Halloween candy preferences.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Big winners in Europe in the third quarter included Spanish stocks, the banking sector and chip giant ASML.
    Tasmin Lockwood,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This professional and human aspect really interested me.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 2 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
  • In total, Movistar Plus+ International, the international sales arm of Movistar Plus+, the biggest Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator, has unveiled 35 licensing pacts, some wrapped in co-production arrangements.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The terrorists lead me out of the vehicle, still wrapped in the blanket.
    Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 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
  • Lego Wicked Emerald City Wall Art This intricate 1,518-piece Emerald City Lego set is bound to keep adults and kids busy ahead of the new movie.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Involved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involved. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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