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
  • Meanwhile, back on Earth, their predicament involved intricate planning and ‒ when President Donald Trump and the world's richest man Elon Musk chimed in ‒ no small amount of finger-pointing.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Smart building initiatives need to align seamlessly with operations, systems, facilities and plans for growth.
    Swapna Sathyan, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Other sites under the agency's safeguards include a miniature neutron source reactor in Damascus and a facility in Homs that can process yellow-cake uranium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
  • The investigation confirmed the deaths of at least 973 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children in the boarding school system.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • The answer is complicated, and the eight-episode series does a great job exploring the question from multiple perspectives, but overall, Burns has walked away from the experiment far less concerned that AI will ever become a successful screenwriter.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
  • Newsom did exactly that, but in response to criticism from Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins over how the Los Angeles protests are complicating the department’s services.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The company then provides clients with a detailed report, which shows their embryo's results.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Zaslav went on to note that HBO Max viewership accounts for for 25% of programming spun off from the WBD networks.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The network asked Rodis to implement safety protocols on set.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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