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
The Partisan president acknowledges that, as ever at a record label, the album was discussed in those knotty terms of art and commerce.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2025
The knotty matter of Peacemaker‘s place in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new, Justice League-less DCU was addressed even before Thursday’s Season 2 premiere actually got underway, through the use some editing sleight-of-hand.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 21 Aug. 2025
In his crowded, knotty-pine office, several young men and women sit at desks filling out forms.
—Nicholas Pileggi, Curbed, 15 Aug. 2025
No sense in wasting your time on flailing around to solve a knotty problem.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2025
The knotty matter of Peacemaker‘s place in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new, Justice League-less DCU was addressed even before Thursday’s Season 2 premiere actually got underway, through the use some editing sleight-of-hand.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 21 Aug. 2025
In his crowded, knotty-pine office, several young men and women sit at desks filling out forms.
—Nicholas Pileggi, Curbed, 15 Aug. 2025
No sense in wasting your time on flailing around to solve a knotty problem.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
-
Lego Wicked Emerald City Wall Art This intricate 1,518-piece Emerald City Lego set is bound to keep adults and kids busy ahead of the new movie.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development.—
Yangyang Cheng,
NPR,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For once, the bulk of the anger was directed not at Fosun — the investment group and majority shareholder – and the Molineux hierarchy who have conspired to deal Pereira a difficult hand, but at the head coach himself and his players.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Romancelandia’s social world, harnessed by its business-minded authors, may make its success exceedingly difficult to replicate.—
Rebecca Ackermann,
The Atlantic,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Moscow has denied involvement, and security analysts caution that attribution is complicated.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
On a journey spanning four continents, the Kohlers will battle physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, navigate the complicated world of visas and hopefully break three world records in the process.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Lammens was perhaps fortunate to escape sanction then (Stuart Atwell booked the forward for diving), but this was a valuable occasion ahead of tougher tests, beginning at Anfield.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
There will be some tough picking in there, but typically the predicting business gets a little easier in region play.—
Tyler Palmateer,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 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
-
Options may include topical corticosteroids or nonsteroidal immunomodulators, which are often used on sensitive areas or for long-term control.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Made without parabens, soaps or alcohols, the hypoallergenic wipes are great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The fossil chemicals in question are a special types of steranes, which are the geologically stable form of sterols, like cholesterol, that are found in the cell membranes of complex organisms.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
New York — The rat’s nest of AI partnerships just got a bit more tangled.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Trier paints a vivid, tender portrait of a fractured family through time, examining its tangled roots via a beautiful family home passed down through generations, where a matriarch once hung herself and where, in the present day, Gustav wants to shoot his new film.—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share