complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən 
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
a
: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling
b
: a complex of attitudes and inclinations
3
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
4
: overall aspect or character
by changing the complexion of the legislative branch—
Trevor Armbrister
Trevor ArmbristerExamples of complexion in a Sentence
She has a dark complexion.
All of the children had healthy complexions.
The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Recent Examples on the Web
From low pH water toners to milkier formulas packed with brightening ingredients like rice extract—consider these picks as formulas that set the canvas for a supple complexion.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 July 2025
This over-achieving mask, equipped with 272 LED lights, can handle it all: acne, wrinkles, or a dull complexion.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 July 2025
Each one is made with hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C to brighten the complexion, and aloe vera to soothe the skin.
—People Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025
My typically dull, dry complexion had a dewy glow that lasted well into the next day, and the fine lines on my forehead were basically invisible.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 July 2025
This over-achieving mask, equipped with 272 LED lights, can handle it all: acne, wrinkles, or a dull complexion.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 July 2025
Each one is made with hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C to brighten the complexion, and aloe vera to soothe the skin.
—People Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025
My typically dull, dry complexion had a dewy glow that lasted well into the next day, and the fine lines on my forehead were basically invisible.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
Cite this Entry
“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
has a dark complexion
2
: general appearance : character
information that changes the whole complexion of a situation
Medical Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
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