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
As complex as my feelings about her are, almost no relationship has shaped me more. Ling Ling Huang, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025 What to know about the complex, long-simmering civil war Dearlove served as Britain's top spy between 1999 and 2004, when Tony Blair was prime minister. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
In 2021, the organization sold Prebys’ portfolio of 66 residential complexes to Blackstone Group for more than $1 billion, in a move said to help fuel its charitable gift giving. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Just beyond cash is the Treasury bills complex, all the way from 4-week bills to 1-year bills. Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • Oversharing and going dark are hazards of the moon’s complicated clash with Jupiter.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • So, Tokyo’s fear of Trump is more complicated than meets the eye.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Although against a group of vibrant, hungry players who hunt like wolves before fizzing and whizzing in possession, with relentless ball speed and intricate rotations, Villa could only make up for the deficit in quality and European pedigree through hard work.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His big toes included the Texas pickle brand’s logo, and his remaining toes included intricate nail art to resemble pickles.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their campus spans over 10 miles (16 kilometers) of Utah desert, northwest of Promontory, with two central hubs of facilities.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The new facility is expected to span approximately 25,000 square meters and will support a production capacity of up to 50 Zephyr rockets per year.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Generative systems depend on data often generated through traditional AI approaches like computer vision and predictive analytics.
    John Roese, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The 2018 model introduced a 360-degree camera system and became the first full-size luxury SUV with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Missing their leading scorer and best player will complicate that pursuit.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Additionally, the digital scan has complicated a controversial narrative about a first officer on the Titanic: William Murdoch, who has long been accused of abandoning his post.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The cooler tones within this taupe shade are sophisticated and elegant when paired with veiny marble details.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The sophisticated bouquet features a monochrome rose and carnation mix that any mom would be thrilled to receive.
    Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The website Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The administration has not given detailed reasons for the visa or student enrollment status cancellations.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Following successful efforts in Indonesia, the Sheba Hope Grows™ program has grown to include a global network of more than 200 reef builders worldwide, some employing different methods catered more specifically to their environment.
    Cat Cardenas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Ramsay already has a pretty full plate at Fox and Secret Service will be his eighth show actively on the network.
    Peter White, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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