tangled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtaŋ-gəld How to pronounce tangled (audio)
Definition of tanglednext
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated it helps to have a lawyer to sort out the tangled contracts that home buyers typically have to contend with

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tangled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tangle
1
as in trapped
to catch or hold as if in a net was at last tangled in the web of lies that he had told to everyone

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2
as in knotted
to twist together into a usually confused mass that darn cat tangled the yarn I was trying to knit with

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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 tangled
Adjective
The scandal involves a tangled web of personalities and businesses. — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025 But the country’s new leaders will also have to look outward, balancing the tangled, sometimes contradictory interests of many foreign powers — some friendly, some hostile, some wary. — Josh Holder, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024 Hulu is going deeper into the tangled web of Tell Me Lies. — Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024 The water that flooded into some tents in Deir al-Balah soaked everything inside, leaving blankets and carpets a tangled, dusty mess. — Abeer Salman, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for tangled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tangled
  1. complicated
  2. intricate
  3. complicate
  4. complex
Adjective
  • Some of this ‘fresh stock’ is explained by such properties having hit an ancestral dead-end: many villas have been handed down through local families for generations and some are now owned by multiple grandchildren who would prefer to sell than manage a complicated ‘who stays when’ calendar.
    — Lysanne Currie, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Carell and Horgan’s HBO series Set on a college campus, the untitled Steve Carell comedy from Lawrence and Matt Tarses, which is slated to start production next month, centers on an author’s (Carell) complicated relationship with his daughter.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • Where the Rubik's Cube is solved by twisting blocky columns in intricate patterns and sequences, the Magic Cube design is a much simpler proposition.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Some, like Martin’s idol and inspiration, J.R.R. Tolkien, are architects, meticulously planning out their intricate worlds and the hundreds of characters and story lines that exist within them.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of intricate
Adjective
  • Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies.
    — Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Trump’s policies, which ignite strong opinions, further complicate collaboration between employees with opposing perspectives.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of complicate
Adjective
  • As modern cybersecurity requires it, zero trust combats complex threats by valuing the assumption that attackers can penetrate the network from any point.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Right now, not a lot of complex analysis is needed to justify betting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have a big scoring night.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of complex

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Cite this Entry

“Tangled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tangled. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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