tangled

1 of 2

adjective

tan·​gled ˈtaŋ-gəld 

1

: existing in or giving the appearance of a state of utter disorder

2

: very involved : exceedingly complex

tangled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of tangle entry 1

Synonyms of tangled

Adjective

• complicated
• intricate
• complicate
• complex

Examples of tangled in a Sentence

Adjective

it helps to have a lawyer to sort out the tangled contracts that home buyers typically have to contend with

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Her fascinating, playful quest involves the tangled background of her father, Henry Stephen. — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026

The snag underscores how tangled sports media rights have become, and the gaps that remain. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

In the tangled greenery of a Ugandan national park, mountain gorillas sit among the leaves, calmly carrying on as tourists trek into their forest home. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Site-specific wall pieces made in the mid ’50s evolved into chandeliers, sconces, and even a tangled floor lamp, all of which got a coat of coral, blue, or black house paint (a few were gold leafed) that lent a unique, aged texture. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tangled

• angled
• dangled
• fangled
• jangled
• mangled
• spangled
• strangled
• wrangled
• disentangled
• entangled
• newfangled
• untangled