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
When the tour hit Newcastle, England, a week later, the primitive analog tape machine the band used to play the complex Quadrophenia songs malfunctioned. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025 The humor in Mafalda toggles from complex wordplay to visual humor to political allegory. Alex Dueben july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
Noun
Peru's forward #22 Mia Obando kicks the ball during the Women's Copa America 2025 football match between Peru and Ecuador at the Independiente del Valle complex in Quito on July 15, 2025. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 The four-story complex will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units that are income-restricted for people earning at or below various levels of the Austin-area's median household income. Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Experts say this order – and others like it – ignores existing science that shows the issue is much more complicated.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
  • The distinction between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom apartment is quite simple, but understanding why the former can be a better option than the latter is slightly more complicated.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Open just in time for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, the building featured Neo-Classical architecture which can be seen and felt through grand staircases, intricate woodwork and decorative ceilings which have been preserved during the property’s construction.
    Rana Good, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The killings follow the geometry of a mandala, an intricate spiritual symbol representing cosmic order and balance.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • That pressure caused the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to halt the shipments and dispose of the waste at facilities outside Michigan.
    Sophia Valchine, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • The overhaul includes a new telecommunications network and potential consolidation of air traffic control facilities.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Meet the driver of Nashville's transit overhaul Last year, Davidson County voters overwhelmingly approved a 15-year plan to overhaul the city's transportation systems.
    Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Last week, ProPublica revealed that Microsoft has for a decade relied on foreign workers — including those based in China — to maintain the Defense Department’s computer systems, with oversight coming from U.S.-based digital escorts.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Politicians often trap themselves in narratives during campaigns that go on to complicate their efforts to govern.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025
  • China imposes restrictions on EV technology exports China imposed new restrictions on the export of electric-vehicle technology, a move that will complicate efforts by Chinese battery makers to open factories in the US and Europe.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hand-stained and vegetable-tanned, the material feels both supple and durable, lending a sophisticated finish without sacrificing functionality.
    Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • This sophisticated technique represents the highest standard of data recovery possible on today's smartphones, working within security constraints to provide the most complete evidence picture available.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the case of Venus in Gemini squaring Mars in Virgo, imagine craving a spontaneous road trip (Gemini) but insisting on a detailed itinerary (Virgo).
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • In a recent presentation at Salesforce's London DX conference, one session showed how AI can look at a Salesforce configuration, draw the process diagrams for an area and then identify agentic use cases based on a detailed framework.
    Ian Gotts, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The Value of Safe, Supportive Spaces These networks are also important for building confidence.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • After a successful career as a top NFL running back, McCoy earned himself a spot on FS1's network due to his unfiltered takes on football.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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