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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Sharper, higher quality steel blades are manufactured by a Swiss company specializing in intricate watch components, and the program lets each attendee choose their own mix of blades and accessories.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The brand scouts artisans around the world who specialize in various techniques, from intricate embroidery to weaving, beadwork and tailoring.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
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Our models and expertise can sniff out the broad parameters, but the precise location and timing of moisture plumes, training (quasi-stationary rain cells), and forcing mechanism can be difficult.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Many of the children have trauma and complicated needs, and one of the responses may be to run away.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
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And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes.com,
27 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 thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Digital environments are more complex and interconnected than ever, while the regulatory landscape has established new guidelines for data security, breach reporting and more.—
Matt Kunkel,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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With Operation Midnight Hammer—a complex operation involving hundreds of aircraft and naval vessels, several dozen Tomahawk missiles, and 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—America joined Israel’s campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.—
NR Editors,
National Review,
27 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 8 Jul. 2025.
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