complex 1 of 3

Definition of complexnext

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

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
Hypersonic missiles have been in development for a while now, but these have tended to be extremely complex machines that are mind-bogglingly expensive to make and slow to deploy. David Szondy june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026 Employees are forming complex, often unhealthy, relationships with AI coworkers, relying on them for personal support, career advice, and emotional validation, roles traditionally filled by human colleagues. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
The plant is one of the largest gas complexes in the world, according to the General Staff. ABC News, 24 June 2026 During construction, the city plans to purchase and renovate space at the Palm Centre complex from the Hialeah Housing Authority to temporarily house the Building Division. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
  • But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
    Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Coben, who also serves as an executive producer, explains the difficulty of creating the intricate inner worlds of each character and their doubts about David, all while dropping hints that reveal David's innocence in each episode.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • The Arabesque necklace, for example, which requires 1,450 hours of work, features intricate rose gold illuminated by 18 fancy rose-cut diamonds.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The fire at a cold storage facility in Boyle Heights began burning Wednesday, hours after Bass departed for the dedication of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Noncitizens have testified about similar conditions at supposedly temporary ICE detention facilities around the country.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The order affected roughly 300 residents, according to evacuation data provided by the Perimeter Map system used by the county.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • The company said those measures were in place because of bad actors who use powerful AI systems for malicious cyber- and biology purposes.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The action, set on France’s rugged northern coast, is anchored by teen romance, involves far-right anti-migrant activists, and is complicated by blue goo from space that creates clones—including of the two loopy police officers who investigate.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 26 June 2026
  • Carter further complicates things in last week’s episode, when he drunkly tears an animal mount off the wall during Oreana’s grandmother’s big party at the 10-Petal Ranch.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Options trading for SpaceX started last week, allowing investors to place more sophisticated bets on where the stock is headed next, and quickly saw a surge in interest.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The crisp white denim is a sophisticated choice for July 4, as well as the rest of summer.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Attached to it is a giant camera capable of capturing a new, detailed image roughly every 40 seconds, combining speed, sensitivity and an exceptionally wide field of view unmatched by any other ground- or space-based telescope.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • At Moderna's Science Day last Thursday, Cramer said the company presented a detailed roadmap for the next decade that highlighted its growing cancer pipeline alongside newer vaccine programs beyond its Covid franchise.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • The initiative is intended to target transnational criminal organizations, foreign gangs, human trafficking networks and violent criminal aliens operating in the United States.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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