1
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
the knotty problems that arise when every nation is part of the global marketplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knotty
That voice sits atop dreamy keys and knotty electric guitar.
—
Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025
That’s a heavy topic for a zombie show to take on, of course, but the series so far seems to be following the example of the game, which attempts to immerse players in the middle of morally knotty situations.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 May 2025
This serum also did wonders for my typically knotty hair during the winter and hydrated my roots even after just one application and blow-dry.
—Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 2 May 2025
President Trump’s global trade war has significantly raised the bar for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, as tariffs risk worsening an already knotty inflation problem while also damaging growth.
—Colby Smith, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025
That’s a heavy topic for a zombie show to take on, of course, but the series so far seems to be following the example of the game, which attempts to immerse players in the middle of morally knotty situations.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 May 2025
This serum also did wonders for my typically knotty hair during the winter and hydrated my roots even after just one application and blow-dry.
—Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 2 May 2025
President Trump’s global trade war has significantly raised the bar for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, as tariffs risk worsening an already knotty inflation problem while also damaging growth.
—Colby Smith, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
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The shell was slightly cold from the water, and what caught her attention most was the intricate, almost mesmerizing pattern etched across its surface.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
19 June 2025
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The defensive problems mainly came down the right side, where Al Hilal’s intricate wing play mesmerised Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rodrygo.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
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Following the loss of their family home, the couple was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family who stepped up to help them during this difficult time.—
Clea Haran,
Parents,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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At the apotheosis of technical wizardry, Vacheron Constantin debuted the most complicated wristwatch in the world, the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication-La Première.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
15 June 2025
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The movie centers on a New York City matchmaker caught between Mr. Perfect and her complicated ex. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal lead the cast.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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The vote took place against an increasingly violent backlash to the Trump administration's tough immigration policies.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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In Mind For startups, achieving more with less can be tough.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Could the bond sell-off complicate the House’s budget negotiations?—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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The moves challenge the traditional U.S. security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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The observatory’s mirror design, sensitive camera and telescope speed are all the first of its kind, enabling Rubin to spot tiny, faint objects such as asteroids.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
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With the hot and humid conditions, ozone levels will become unhealthy for sensitive groups (people with lung disease, young children, older adults, etc.).—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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The study doesn't, however, prove causation – but this link adds to the growing body of evidence that such bitter taste receptors have more complex biological impacts than simply helping hunter-gatherer humans avoid potential plant toxins.—
Bronwyn Thompson,
New Atlas,
15 June 2025
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Those stereotypes are unfounded because, yes, blended scotch, can be both complex and widely-appealing at the same time.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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In The Better Sister, Jessica Biel stars as Chloe, a successful magazine editor whose polished surface belies the tangled mess of her past.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
18 June 2025
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Advertisement The answer in part shows the tangled web of personalities and businesses drawn into the dispute, and the confluence of legal and public relations strategies at play.—
Matt Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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