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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knotty
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
Where the two meet, bundles of the hotter stuff pierce the dusty shell, creating knotty plumes that look vaguely like comets.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 20 Jan. 2026
Its moral dimensions are more straightforward than those in Jude’s previous work (and its form much simpler in kind), but only because their practical applications are that much knottier in return.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
But her career got knottier after that.
—Rebecca Traister, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Where the two meet, bundles of the hotter stuff pierce the dusty shell, creating knotty plumes that look vaguely like comets.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 20 Jan. 2026
Its moral dimensions are more straightforward than those in Jude’s previous work (and its form much simpler in kind), but only because their practical applications are that much knottier in return.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
-
What beautiful, intricate humanity.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Watch young John Early, Kate Berlant, and Cole Escola re-create a scene from the film in intricate detail and see camp interpretation at its finest — comedians using Showgirls’s eccentricities to unearth something delicious.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Kansas played the Blue Devils close and made life difficult for Duke freshman Cameron Boozer, largely thanks to Flory Bidunga’s defense.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2026
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Parents in attendance shared appreciation for seeing teens connect with older adults, especially during a stage of life when meaningful conversation at home can sometimes feel more difficult.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The attacks have, however, complicated peace efforts in the region where mass graves were recently found.—
OPE ADETAYO,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
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The more complicated the process feels, the more likely people are to give up halfway through.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2008, Klay Thompson of Santa Margarita scored 37 points and made a record seven three-pointers at the notoriously tough Arco Arena in Sacramento to help the Eagles win the Division III title over Sacramento 72-55.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Punch made multiple tough baskets and got to the free-throw line as the Jayhawks struggled with his physicality.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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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
-
Frost and freeze conditions will damage unprotected vegetation that is sensitive to freezing temperatures.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Uncompromising Hygiene and Safety Pregnant and postpartum bodies are often highly sensitive to touch and smell, so much so that, at times, otherwise minor irritations and sensations can feel overwhelming.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Our hope is that Beryl will find a new audience with generations who connect with her singularly female, complex voice—a woman who lived her life voraciously, and whose story deserves to live on.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Mar. 2026
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The hospital would be for patients who are low-acuity, meaning patients who don’t need the highest, most complex level of care, which is offered at Lurie’s downtown hospital.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Market concentration is not inherently problematic.—
Svetla Ben-Itzhak,
Space.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Their bond is forged when the children’s TV show host helps the jaded journalist navigate a difficult relationship with his problematic father.—
Suzanne Van Atten,
AJC.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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