complex 1 of 3

complex

2 of 3

noun

1
as in facility
a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in system
something made up of many interdependent or related parts a complex of government programs designed to assist the needy

Synonyms & Similar Words

complex

3 of 3

verb

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complex systems
large systems
large-scale systems
hard systems
advanced systems
complex problems
intricate problems
tough problems
sophistical problems
convoluted problems
confusing problems
a complex structure
a difficult structure
a complicated structure
a detailed structure
a large structure
an elaborate structure
complex interactions
sophisticated interactions
detailed interactions
deep interactions
multiple interactions
several interactions
a complex process
a hard process
a long process
a massive process
an involved process
a huge process

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective complex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than complex?

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When might intricate be a better fit than complex?

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is it sensible to use involved instead of complex?

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When would knotty be a good substitute for complex?

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

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 complex
Adjective
Preventing and managing migraines can be complex, but small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful relief over time. Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025 But beneath the three-piece suit, there’s a more complex side to Trent, who navigates the residual trauma from being abandoned at birth and growing up in the Atlanta foster care system. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
Against that industry backdrop, Hudson Pacific and Blackstone recently put on hold plans to build a 91-acre film and TV studio complex in the UK, which had been touted as the first foray outside the U.S. market for the Sunset Studios brand. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 When the complex was evacuated, most residents were housed with family members and the remainder were provided rooms in hotels, the fire chief said. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Since then, however, there have been new revelations in their complicated family dynamics.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • But every one of those steps was much more complicated for abelian surfaces.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The intricate scrollwork along the bottom gives it the nouveau feel, but the bow at the top reads modern.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • Rae delivered a high-concept production complete with multiple costumes, intricate choreography with five dancers and reimagined versions of her tracks.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The two were transferred to an immigration facility in Texas the following day, and officials plan to deport them to Honduras.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • Knopp encouraged the commissioners to take time this summer to visit arts facilities in Carlsbad, Escondido and Poway and collect revenue-generating ideas, then craft some recommendations for the council this fall.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • That ban was imposed by China in 2017 in response to the deployment of a U.S. missile system in South Korea.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 May 2025
  • Work on creating a system that not only works for you and your family, but one that everyone will be able to stick to.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • But Lijn’s mechanized drama is a resolutely feminist one, a face-off between two cyborgs who both conjure and complicate the archetypes of the nature goddess and the murderous woman.
    Marina Isgro, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • One is the long-running foreclosure of 57-75 Pratt St. involving Shelbourne has complicated the leasing of prominent, vacant storefronts in those buildings.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • With its sky-high housing and living costs and its large and sophisticated workforce and population, the minimum wage that Albany dictates for the state will always be far too low to guarantee city workers a decent living.
    Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025
  • Contemporary neutral hues in the fabrics and wood veneer are contrasted with deep olive-juniper accents, dark Emperador marble, and antiqued metalwork, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Create a detailed picture of how my mornings could be different.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Diary entries written by Luigi Mangione reveal the now 27-year-old’s detailed thinking before the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, a new court filing shows.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The project, which was approved by the Surface Transportation Board during the Biden administration in 2021, is an 88-mile rail line that would connect Utah’s Uinta Basin to a national tran network that would ultimately enable it to get to refineries along the Gulf of Mexico.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 29 May 2025
  • Authorities had uncovered a nationwide network of fixers who conspired to influence hundreds of college basketball games over a five-year period.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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