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
Democrats, hungry to win a Senate race for the first time since 1988, see an opening, but have their own knotty race to figure out.
—
Thomas Beaumont, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
And at a time of deep polarization, this moment is testing how far Britt, and other lawmakers, are willing to go to tackle knotty policy problems captivating national attention.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
Just as much an investigator as a memoirist, Nevils attempts to tunnel through the lurid details and the #MeToo boilerplate and unearth something much knottier.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
But her career got knottier after that.
—Rebecca Traister, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Thomas Beaumont, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
And at a time of deep polarization, this moment is testing how far Britt, and other lawmakers, are willing to go to tackle knotty policy problems captivating national attention.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
Just as much an investigator as a memoirist, Nevils attempts to tunnel through the lurid details and the #MeToo boilerplate and unearth something much knottier.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
But her career got knottier after that.
—Rebecca Traister, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
-
Some were draped in ivy, others adorned with pink blossoms, but none are forgotten by nature’s touch—each brought to life by the intricate details that transport you into a postcard of the Italian countryside.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Drawing inspiration from the human hand’s intricate design and proprioceptive capabilities, this study aims to enhance the dexterity of robotic hands, particularly in multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) motion and posture perception.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There were also high-arcing 3-pointers that touched nothing but the net, a difficult runner through contact that went in, and the kind of gravity that gave Kristaps Porzingis a layup just by cutting into space while the big man dove.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Some things in life are difficult.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And in South Florida groups have stepped in to support migrants navigating complicated immigration processes, from deportation to self-deportation, often filling gaps left by government systems.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But determining what percentage of the population would stay and fight is complicated.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the inspirational Moon glides into your 7th House of Allies, your expressive nature invites connection, and your generous spirit lightens tough conversations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
One factor is that the Highlanders, a Division 3 team, haven’t faced the toughest schedule.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For once in his life, Sting manages to add some sensitive harmonies without trying to steal the show.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
By connecting a phone to a computer using a USB cable, an attacker with physical access may be able to exploit the flaw during the early boot process, potentially exposing sensitive data before full security protections are enforced.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Then set aside time to file electronically, use tax software or meet with a professional if your finances are more complex.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the waste from duplication, the DA has noted that the new unit could threaten complex cases involving coordination with the state attorney general and end up prematurely settling cases that are part of larger investigations.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Recalling what areas were problematic in their previous matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t all that hard for the Hornets’ coach.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Then, suddenly Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are injured, and winning a first-round series now seems problematic.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
