1
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
this medical device is a complex instrument that requires careful handling complex issues regarding free speech and school discipline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intricate
made or done with great care or with much detail
a complex plan for evacuating the city in the event of a natural disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to complicate
to make complex or difficult
there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
complex systems
complex 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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of complex
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Building the testbed was a complex task that took more than a year of planning and construction, according to Dreyer.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025
Although the future of fully autonomous drones is unclear, a more autonomous drone strike complex—one that combines reconnaissance and strike drones to identify, track, and hit moving targets—would enormously improve Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian attacks.
—Eric Schmidt, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
This ambivalence reflects a complex attitude toward both parties.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Building the testbed was a complex task that took more than a year of planning and construction, according to Dreyer.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
But Clapp says that still won’t allow for enough parking at the complex.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025
Although the future of fully autonomous drones is unclear, a more autonomous drone strike complex—one that combines reconnaissance and strike drones to identify, track, and hit moving targets—would enormously improve Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian attacks.
—Eric Schmidt, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
-
Some say the video represents a rising crime problem in the city, but crime statistics paint a more complicated picture.—
Dan Horn,
The Enquirer,
14 Aug. 2025
-
In interviews with more than 30 lawmakers, political figures, supporters, friends, and critics, Mamdani emerges as both more interesting and more complicated than the caricatures suggest.—
Mark Chiusano,
Time,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Metallic gold elements, cotton jacquards and intricate embroideries are central to the romantic theme.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Many companies have intricate criteria for funding projects and almost none for killing them.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Murdock’s south Charlotte facility, which produces packaging and shipping materials, was one of the businesses Moore visited Friday.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Despite the protests and the plywood, the ICE facility is still functioning.—
Martin Kaste,
NPR,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
First downs will no longer be measured by a chain gang, who have been replaced by Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system (the system was used in July’s Hall of Fame game).—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
That’s especially true in a music scene that’s been decimated by the justice system and premature deaths in recent years.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Polling Russians about the war is complicated, but surveys reveal that almost 70% of Russians are in support of the conflict and pursuing total victory.—
Natasha Lindstaedt,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Trump said the decision is complicated, weighing the benefits of marijuana use for medical reasons against potential societal impacts.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Those on the other side of the equation—the fraudsters—are sophisticated actors and are willing to dedicate time and money to see a scam through.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Nearly three decades later, Daft Punk arguably upped the ante with its sophisticated synthesizer opus for the franchise’s second film, 2010’s Tron: Legacy, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.—
Space.com Staff,
Space.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The Chinese have played hard to get, privately saying any summit must be preceded by detailed negotiations and planning.—
Scott Kennedy,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The company behind the Warner Bros. studio, the HBO Max streaming service and cable networks including CNN and HGTV saw improving results for its streaming operations and production studios, even as conditions for its traditional TV networks appeared to worsen.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The network can also run in reverse, with the utility taking excess power from the grid at times of low demand and sending it into home batteries for storage.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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