convoluted
adjective
con·vo·lut·ed
ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd 
1
: having convolutions
a ram with convoluted horns
Did you know?
The Origin of Convoluted Isn't
Convoluted comes from Latin convolvere, meaning "to roll up, coil, or twist." It is related to the verb convolute, meaning "to twist or coil." Once something is twisted it can be literally and figuratively difficult to unravel, and can be convoluted.
Examples of convoluted in a Sentence
At base stands a profound respect for the integrity of history and the complex and convoluted relationship between present and the past.
—
Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001
They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone …
—Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990
… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize …
—Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas …
—Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983
a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before
Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001
They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone …
—Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990
… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize …
—Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas …
—Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983
a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before
Recent Examples on the Web
Host of building code issues Building code problems were more convoluted than anticipated, and city inspectors are being extra cautious given the scrutiny, Fine and Singerman said.
—Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
The employer pick-up of employee contributions is kind of convoluted.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
The six-episode conspiracy thriller starring Robert De Niro is too convoluted to generate real intrigue.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
This sort of strategically convoluted route isn’t unusual for an arthouse film, which might round multiple festivals in search of distribution, and which depends on early acclaim and awards to serve as an extension of its marketing budget.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convoluted
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Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
The employer pick-up of employee contributions is kind of convoluted.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
The six-episode conspiracy thriller starring Robert De Niro is too convoluted to generate real intrigue.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
This sort of strategically convoluted route isn’t unusual for an arthouse film, which might round multiple festivals in search of distribution, and which depends on early acclaim and awards to serve as an extension of its marketing budget.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convoluted
Cite this Entry
“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoluted. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
convoluted
adjective
con·vo·lut·ed
ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd
1
: folded or curved in twisted windings
especially
: having convolutions
2
: complicated in form : intricate
convoluted phrasing
Medical Definition
convoluted
adjective
con·vo·lut·ed
-ˌlü-təd
: folded in curved or tortuous windings
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