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
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said there is no ongoing threat to the public and all involved parties have been accounted for. Mauricio Maldonado, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 How involved Crane becomes in the discussions is crucial to the viability of any potential deal involving Correa. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Verb
Injuries have played a major role in undermining the collective impact of the players involved for Brighton, while a third of the signings have been out on loan to clubs throughout the continent. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review. Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for involved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involved
Adjective
  • Some say the video represents a rising crime problem in the city, but crime statistics paint a more complicated picture.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
  • In interviews with more than 30 lawmakers, political figures, supporters, friends, and critics, Mamdani emerges as both more interesting and more complicated than the caricatures suggest.
    Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Rudman also highlighted the detailed marine artwork on some of the company’s new long-sleeve T-shirts.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, taxpayers in Los Angeles County, California, affected by the devastating wildfires in January have until October 15 to file their tax returns for 2024.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The effort took two years of analysis by a team that included historians, engineers and forensic experts, Nat Geo in a statement.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In film, Marsh’s resume included The Rebel (1961), Unearthly Stranger (1964), fantasy adventure Willow (1988), thriller Frenzy (1972) and war movie The Eagle Has Landed (1976).
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Tariffs, trade wars and economic uncertainty complicate operations and planning.
    Simon Dae Oong Kim, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Now, sometimes the people or circumstances around us complicate that endeavor.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The makeup team had to elevate his cheekbones, reshape his eyebrows, add prosthetic elements including a substantial belly for later sequences, and craft the intricate facial hair that defines the aristocratic Rao Bahadur.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Along with the intricate passing sequences they have traditionally been known for, the Catalans embraced directness and verticality, becoming one of Europe’s best counter-attacking sides.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The truck contained an Islamic State flag, according to authorities.
    Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the genetic samples from the patient contained gene mutations that might help H5N1 infect people more easily.
    Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Traded by the Angels and non-tendered by Atlanta, Canning signed with the Mets because he was intrigued by their successful major-league development of starters last season.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The Ravens would have to be intrigued if Banks falls in the mid-20s.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Involved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/involved. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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