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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
That would put the Federal Reserve in a difficult position.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
-
The same ingredients that target dirt and oils in your hair can easily be redirected to lift difficult grease around the home.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
And the touchscreen, although not the quickest, wasn’t overly complicated either.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Could the bond sell-off complicate the House’s budget negotiations?—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
-
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
-
American military and diplomatic outposts across the globe are on high alert after a U.S. bombing raid on Saturday struck three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a widening regional war.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
23 June 2025
-
Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Her paintings are a delight to look at, with pleasure arising from the complex interplay of colors—say, black against red against orange—or subtle variations in adjoining geometric shapes.—
Jillian Steinhauer,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
-
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
-
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
-
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 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share