complicated

[kom-pli-key-tid] / ˈkɒm plɪˌkeɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

difficult, complex

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arduous convoluted difficult fancy hard intricate knotty perplexing problematic sophisticated troublesome

STRONG

elaborate entangled interlaced involved mixed puzzling

WEAK

Daedalean Gordian abstruse byzantine can of worms gasser high-tech labyrinthine mega factor recondite various wheels within wheels

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy facile nice plain simple straightforward uncomplicated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For older adults, however, the picture is more complicated.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

These developments point to a labor-market transition more complicated than conventional automation narratives suggest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

“In our version the truth is more complicated, the past is more mysterious and both the family and the monster are more complicated,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

For years, Nicola Walker has played detectives, lawyers and women holding complicated lives together.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

“I’ve decided I should eat with my students on pizza day,” says Ms. Cherry, setting her food down and touching her complicated hair.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins

Vocabulary lists containing complicated

Schooled

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Sorry, Wrong Number," Vocabulary from the play

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Excerpts from "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!