convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd 

1

: having convolutions

a ram with convoluted horns

2

: involved, intricate

a convoluted argument

Did you know?

The Origin of Convoluted Isn't

If you’ve ever felt your brain twisting itself into a pretzel while trying to follow a complicated or hard-to-follow line of reasoning, you’ll appreciate the relative simplicity of the adjective convoluted, which is perfect for describing head-scratchers (and pretzel-makers). Convoluted traces back to the Latin verb convolvere, meaning “to roll up, coil, or twist.” Originally, convoluted (like its predecessor in English, the verb convolute) was used in the context of things having literal convolutions—in other words, twisty things like intestines or a ram’s horns. Over time it expanded to figuratively describe things like arguments, plots, stories, logic, etc., that are intricate or feature many twists and turns that make them difficult to understand.

Synonyms of convoluted

• complicated
• intricate
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of convoluted in a Sentence

At base stands a profound respect for the integrity of history and the complex and convoluted relationship between present and the past. —Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001

They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone … —Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990

… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize … —Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984

To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas … —Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983

a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before

Recent Examples on the Web

Though financially successful, Scott's medieval historical epic about the events leading up to the Third Crusade and the complex relationship between Christians and Muslims was derided by critics, many of whom struggled with the fractured narrative and convoluted character arcs. —Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Apparently, this year’s can’t be laid at the feet of Tyler and is due instead to delays and missteps at some or all of the various county offices responsible for managing Cook County’s convoluted property tax system. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

These are not lyrics bogged down by convoluted thought. —Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

Performance Pressure While any investor who put money directly into one of SpaceX’s private funding rounds should see significant upside, the same can’t be guaranteed for investors in some convoluted special purpose vehicles, or SPVs. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of convolute

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing convoluted

• convoluted tubule
• distal convoluted tubule
• proximal convoluted tubule

Rhymes for convoluted

• constituted
• executed
• instituted
• parachuted
• persecuted
• prosecuted
• prostituted
• recomputed
• substituted
• undiluted
• undisputed
• unpolluted

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Kids Definition

convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd 

1

: folded or curved in twisted windings

especially : having convolutions

2

: complicated in form : intricate

convoluted phrasing

Medical Definition

convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed -ˌlü-təd 

: folded in curved or tortuous windings

specifically : having convolutions

the highly convoluted human cerebral cortex