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
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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
This serum also did wonders for my typically knotty hair around the winter, and hydrated my roots even after just one application and blow dry.
—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025
But the real crucible for the mayor is only just beginning to take shape, with her political prospects inextricably tied to the almost unfathomably knotty recovery ahead.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Most feature a king-size bed, wood-burning stove, plenty of knotty wood furniture, and fresh white linens.
—Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 3 Jan. 2025
Outside the city, accommodations are typically alpine in style, with knotty wooden furniture, hearty meals, and scenic vistas.
—Rachael Mendizabal, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025
But the real crucible for the mayor is only just beginning to take shape, with her political prospects inextricably tied to the almost unfathomably knotty recovery ahead.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Most feature a king-size bed, wood-burning stove, plenty of knotty wood furniture, and fresh white linens.
—Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 3 Jan. 2025
Outside the city, accommodations are typically alpine in style, with knotty wooden furniture, hearty meals, and scenic vistas.
—Rachael Mendizabal, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
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Where the Rubik's Cube is solved by twisting blocky columns in intricate patterns and sequences, the Magic Cube design is a much simpler proposition.—
Paul Ridden,
New Atlas,
14 Mar. 2025
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Some, like Martin’s idol and inspiration, J.R.R. Tolkien, are architects, meticulously planning out their intricate worlds and the hundreds of characters and story lines that exist within them.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But their happy romance is soon demolished when Jenny reappears in their lives, thrusting all three into a difficult and messy journey towards true accountability and adulthood.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2025
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These protein complexes are highly shape-shifting, making traditional imaging methods very difficult.—
Priyanka Naik,
The Conversation,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Some of this ‘fresh stock’ is explained by such properties having hit an ancestral dead-end: many villas have been handed down through local families for generations and some are now owned by multiple grandchildren who would prefer to sell than manage a complicated ‘who stays when’ calendar.—
Lysanne Currie,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Hughes-Hallett effectively argues that the nature vs. nurture debate is far more complicated than its simple-minded middle school classroom avatar would allow.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Schneider wants to take calculated risks in free agency, but that can be tough to do when Seattle is one of many teams needing interior offensive upgrades.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
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The New York Fed survey of consumer expectations showed respondents believe tougher economic conditions are ahead.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies.—
Sharon Udasin,
The Hill,
26 Feb. 2025
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Trump’s policies, which ignite strong opinions, further complicate collaboration between employees with opposing perspectives.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The indictment alleges Tian also sent Duan links to Google Drive accounts containing sensitive information on US military weapons systems, such as Bradley and Stryker US Army fighting vehicles.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN,
7 Mar. 2025
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Ilia’s Clean Line Gel Eyeliner is a sight for sensitive eyes.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Myers led the complex negotiations, finalizing the largest section of the deal in 2000 at a cost of $30 million in conservancy funds and $15 million from federal sources.—
Elaine Woo,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
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Right now, not a lot of complex analysis is needed to justify betting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have a big scoring night.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The collective tension as the game went on, and the poles became taller and more tangled, made every move exciting.—
James Palmer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Dec. 2024
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Her free-associative lyrics are either mesmerizingly strange or plainly hilarious, and her tangled, clanging riffs have an oddly soothing effect.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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