convoluted
adjective
con·vo·lut·ed
ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd 
1
: having convolutions
a ram with convoluted horns
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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.
Synonyms
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
As a series finale’s climax (or a season finale, as Paramount Network still insists upon), Jamie’s demise was too stretched out, too convoluted, and took way too long to provide any meaningful satisfaction.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
They can be made to wind their way along the sponge’s convoluted contours without ever leaving its surface, hitting a hole, or intersecting themselves.
—Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
The loan would reset every 30 days, the principal growing each month alongside the compounding interest in a convoluted death trap of penalties, fees, and clawbacks.
—Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for convoluted 
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Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
They can be made to wind their way along the sponge’s convoluted contours without ever leaving its surface, hitting a hole, or intersecting themselves.
—Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader.
—Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
The loan would reset every 30 days, the principal growing each month alongside the compounding interest in a convoluted death trap of penalties, fees, and clawbacks.
—Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for convoluted
Dictionary Entries Near convoluted
Cite this Entry
“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoluted. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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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