21 Other Ways to Say COMPLEX | COMPLEX Synonyms With Examples

Understanding how to express ‘complex’ in different ways can make your writing more interesting. In this article, we will explore 21 synonyms for ‘complex’, such as complicated, intricate, sophisticated, and elaborate. You will learn their meanings and see examples to use them in your sentences.

Complicated

The word ‘complicated’ is used when something is difficult to understand or deal with. It often refers to problems, instructions, or situations that need extra effort. You can use it when talking about both practical and abstract things. It helps show that the matter is not straightforward and needs careful attention.

• The math problem was very complicated for beginners.
• He gave a complicated explanation that confused everyone.
• The rules of the game are complicated but fun to learn.

Intricate

‘Intricate’ describes something very detailed or carefully made. It is often used for designs, patterns, or objects that have many small parts. You can also use it to talk about ideas or plans that need attention. It shows beauty or skill in the detail.

• She wore a dress with intricate lace.
• The artist created an intricate sculpture from wood.
• The plan was intricate and required teamwork.

Sophisticated

‘Sophisticated’ means advanced or having a lot of knowledge. It is used to describe people, machines, ideas, or systems that are developed and refined. It can also mean elegant or stylish in some contexts. It shows a higher level of complexity or experience.

• The computer system is very sophisticated.
• He is a sophisticated person with many interests.
• The watch has a sophisticated mechanism inside.

Elaborate

‘Elaborate’ refers to something detailed and carefully planned. It is often used for work, events, decorations, or explanations. Using this word shows that extra effort was put into making or arranging something. It can also describe words or ideas that are carefully explained.

• The castle had elaborate carvings on its walls.
• She made an elaborate plan for the party.
• The teacher gave an elaborate explanation of the topic.

Multifaceted

‘Multifaceted’ is used when something has many parts or sides. It can describe objects, problems, or personalities. This word shows that the subject has different aspects that need attention or understanding. It is helpful when something cannot be seen or understood in only one way.

• The issue is multifaceted and needs careful study.
• She has a multifaceted personality.
• The project is multifaceted and involves many teams.

Convoluted

‘Convoluted’ is used for something confusing or twisted in shape or meaning. It can describe sentences, stories, paths, or ideas that are hard to follow. It suggests that understanding the subject requires extra effort and patience.

• The book has a convoluted plot.
• His speech was convoluted and unclear.
• The instructions were convoluted and difficult to use.

Tangled

‘Tangled’ is used when things are twisted together or confused. It is often used for physical objects like wires or ropes, but can also describe situations or thoughts. It shows disorder or difficulty in separating or solving.

• The necklace got tangled in the box.
• His thoughts were tangled after the long discussion.
• The cables are tangled behind the desk.

Knotty

‘Knotty’ is used for problems or situations that are very complicated and difficult to solve. It can describe both practical and intellectual challenges. It emphasizes that the matter requires time and careful thinking to find a solution.

• The lawyer faced a knotty legal problem.
• The puzzle was knotty and took hours to solve.
• They tried to untangle the knotty situation.

Involved

‘Involved’ describes something complicated because it has many parts or connections. It is used for stories, processes, plans, or relationships. This word shows that the subject is not simple and needs effort to understand fully.

• The plot of the movie is very involved.
• The discussion became involved with many opinions.
• The project is involved and requires teamwork.

Byzantine

‘Byzantine’ is used for something extremely complex and detailed, often in a way that is hard to understand. It can refer to systems, politics, or plans. It shows difficulty and sophistication at the same time.

• The legal system is byzantine and confusing.
• He studied the byzantine history of the city.
• The company rules are byzantine and complicated.

Labyrinthine

‘Labyrinthine’ means like a maze or very complicated. It is often used for paths, streets, systems, or plans. It suggests that navigating or understanding the subject is difficult and confusing.

• The old castle has labyrinthine corridors.
• The bureaucracy is labyrinthine and slow.
• The story has a labyrinthine plot.

Sophisticate

‘Sophisticate’ describes something highly developed or complex. It can be a person, idea, or object that shows experience, skill, or refinement. It often implies elegance, knowledge, or advanced design.

• He is a sophisticate in modern art.
• The device is a sophisticate tool for engineers.
• Her tastes are sophisticated and refined.

Perplexing

‘Perplexing’ is used when something causes confusion or difficulty. It can describe questions, situations, or problems that are hard to understand or solve. It shows that extra thought is needed to deal with it.

• The problem was perplexing for all students.
• His behavior was perplexing to his friends.
• The puzzle had a perplexing solution.

Puzzling

‘Puzzling’ describes something difficult to understand or solve. It can be a situation, question, or event that creates doubt or confusion. It highlights curiosity and the need to think more carefully.

• The ending of the story was puzzling.
• The math question was puzzling.
• Her reaction was puzzling to everyone.

Delicate

‘Delicate’ is used for things that need careful handling. It can describe objects, situations, or relationships that are fragile or sensitive. It shows caution and careful attention is necessary.

• The vase is delicate and can break easily.
• The discussion was delicate and required care.
• She handled the delicate matter with skill.

Elaborated

‘Elaborated’ means made more detailed or explained with extra information. It is often used for plans, ideas, or stories. This word shows that something has been improved or clarified with more content.

• He elaborated his plan with more details.
• The teacher elaborated the topic for better understanding.
• She elaborated on her idea during the meeting.

Detailed

‘Detailed’ is used when something has many small parts or facts. It can describe reports, descriptions, objects, or plans. It shows that the subject is complete and thorough.

• The report was detailed and useful.
• He gave a detailed description of the scene.
• The drawing is very detailed and precise.

Sophistication

‘Sophistication’ describes the quality of being advanced or complex. It can refer to systems, ideas, or objects that show skill, knowledge, or refinement. It often implies elegance or high-level thinking.

• The software shows great sophistication.
• Her behavior had sophistication and charm.
• The architecture is full of sophistication.

Advanced

‘Advanced’ is used for something highly developed or complex. It can describe technology, ideas, or skills. It shows progress and a higher level compared to usual standards.

• The advanced computer can perform many tasks.
• He took an advanced course in physics.
• The robot has advanced features.

Comprehensive

‘Comprehensive’ means covering everything fully. It is used for reports, guides, or plans that include all details. This word shows completeness and thorough attention.

• The guide is comprehensive and helpful.
• She gave a comprehensive answer to the question.
• The report is comprehensive and detailed.

Multifactorial

‘Multifactorial’ describes something influenced by many different elements. It is often used for health, research, or complex situations. It shows that understanding or solving it needs attention to many parts.

• Health is affected by multifactorial reasons.
• The problem is multifactorial and needs analysis.
• The study considered multifactorial causes.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to express ‘complex’, each with a special meaning. Using these synonyms can make writing richer and more accurate. Words like intricate, convoluted, or multifaceted give variety and depth to your sentences. Learning and applying them can improve your communication.