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
as in complexity
the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects
a coffee-making machine of such staggering complexness as to be worthy of Rube Goldberg himself
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
Ling Ling Huang, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
What to know about the complex, long-simmering civil war
Dearlove served as Britain's top spy between 1999 and 2004, when Tony Blair was prime minister.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Just beyond cash is the Treasury bills complex, all the way from 4-week bills to 1-year bills.
—Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Adjective
As complex as my feelings about her are, almost no relationship has shaped me more.
—Ling Ling Huang, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
What to know about the complex, long-simmering civil war
Dearlove served as Britain's top spy between 1999 and 2004, when Tony Blair was prime minister.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
In 2021, the organization sold Prebys’ portfolio of 66 residential complexes to Blackstone Group for more than $1 billion, in a move said to help fuel its charitable gift giving.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Just beyond cash is the Treasury bills complex, all the way from 4-week bills to 1-year bills.
—Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complex
Adjective
-
So, Tokyo’s fear of Trump is more complicated than meets the eye.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Trump and Zuckerberg have a complicated history, with the president being critical of the Silicon Valley CEO's management of online censorship, which culminated in a ban from Meta platforms after the January 6 riots.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Dutch florists provided tens of thousands of flowers in an intricate, colorful layout − a tradition in its 39th year.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
At its core, quilting involves stitching together layers of fabric, often in intricate patterns, to create both beautiful and functional items.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the picture for other automakers is complicated, to say the least.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
-
What complicates the picture are Makhachev’s own ambitions.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The sophisticated bouquet features a monochrome rose and carnation mix that any mom would be thrilled to receive.—
Sarah Madaus,
Architectural Digest,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The cooler tones within this taupe shade are sophisticated and elegant when paired with veiny marble details.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The website Time and Date also provides detailed information about where and when to see the phenomenon.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The administration has not given detailed reasons for the visa or student enrollment status cancellations.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The wedding started as an elaborate three-way ruse concocted by Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese American man; his white boyfriend, Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein); and Wei-Wei, an undocumented Chinese immigrant.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
-
For opening night of Good Night, and Good Luck at Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on April 3, Lopez stunned in a strapless black gown with a plunging neckline with a lightly colored caftan cape that flowed down to an elaborate train.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complex. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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