complex

1 of 3

noun

com·plex ˈkäm-ˌpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

: a whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts

a complex of welfare programs

the military-industrial complex

: a group of culture traits relating to a single activity (such as hunting), process (such as use of flint), or culture unit

b(1)

: a group of repressed desires and memories that exerts a dominating influence upon the personality

a guilt complex

(2)

: an exaggerated reaction to or preoccupation with a subject or situation

He has always had a complex about spiders.

She has a weight complex.

Not being able to find a job was giving me a complex.

: a group of obviously related units of which the degree and nature of the relationship is imperfectly known

: the sum of factors (such as symptoms) characterizing a disease or condition

primary tuberculous complex

: a chemical association of two or more species (such as ions or molecules) joined usually by weak electrostatic bonds rather than covalent bonds

: a building or group of buildings housing related units

an apartment complex

a sports complex

complex

2 of 3

adjective

com·plex käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

kəm-ˈpleks,

ˈkäm-ˌpleks

: composed of two or more parts : composite

a complex mixture of chemicals

b(1)

of a word : having a bound form as one or more of its immediate constituents

Unmanly is a complex word.

(2)

of a sentence : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses

: hard to separate, analyze, or solve

a complex problem

: of, concerned with, being, or containing complex numbers

a complex root

complex analysis

complexly adverb

complexness noun

complex

3 of 3

verb

com·plex käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

kəm-ˈpleks,

ˈkäm-ˌpleks

complexed; complexing; complexes

transitive verb

: to make complex or into a complex

: chelate

complexation

ˌkäm-ˌplek-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce complex (audio)

kəm-

noun

Did you know?

The Complex Origins of Complex

The word complex lives up to its name, as it contains multiple parts of speech and senses. It serves as an adjective, a noun, and, less commonly, as a verb. The verb use is the oldest of the three, with an original meaning of “to join or unite.” Complex comes from the Latin complecti, which means “to entwine around, to embrace,” a word that is based in part on plectere (“to braid”). English has a number of other words that can be traced to plectere, including perplex, plexus (“an intricately interwoven combination of elements or parts in a cohering structure”), and amplexus (“the mating embrace of some amphibians, such as frogs and toads”).

Example Sentences

Noun She has a complex about her appearance. a complex of protein molecules Adjective The house's wiring is complex. The situation is more complex than you realize. Verb there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On Monday, after shelling started a fire on the grounds of the complex, the plant was disconnected from the power grid.

Eric Nagourney, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2022 At least three officers then carried Lewis out by his arms and legs and eventually placed him on the ground of the apartment complex.

CBS News, 1 Sep. 2022 There have been at least four escapes this year, as well as a riot in which 20 juveniles took over parts of the complex.

From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 26 Aug. 2022 Department officials filed redactions to the documents shortly before the noon Thursday deadline set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, who approved the warrant for the Aug. 8 search of the complex in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Sadie Gurman, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 There were other problems: a cyclone struck the structure just one week before opening, damaging beyond repair a freshwater pool that was part of the complex.

Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 22 Aug. 2022 The skilled workers and company executives tended to live in South Pullman, while the unskilled workers were funneled to the north side of the complex, Olomoniyi said.

Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 Around mid-pandemic in 2020, McConnell said Shiffer moved out of the apartment complex with aspirations to go out West.

Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2022 According to a news release, Draper detectives continue to speak with witnesses and residents of the apartment complex as the case remains under investigation.

Scott D. Pierce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022

Adjective

Oxenberg says that life inside a royal family is always more complex behind the scenes.

Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 The Rhoden family history was complex before this tragedy.

Bob Strickley, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 The financing that makes up the wealth behind the crown is complex.

Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 But while some employers might write that off as overconfidence from an inexperienced applicant, the reality is a bit more complex.

Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Their crust is complex, lightly soured with the ideal chew-to-crunch ratio, and topped with equal parts care and exuberance.

The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Tackling the entire world’s inner workings as a topic means that the solutions are necessarily going to be more complex.

Carole Horst, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 Beyond that, finding the line between what is and isn’t appropriate is complex.

WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 Even though the rail line’s second phase was expected to be far less complex than the first, contractors quickly ran into problems.

Justin George, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Latin complexus "embrace, grasp, inclusion" (Late Latin also, "whole, entirety") from complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include" + -tus, suffix of action nouns; (sense 2b (1)) after German Komplex — more at complex entry 2

Adjective

borrowed from Late Latin complexus "composite, connected, intertwined," going back to Latin, past participle of complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include," from com- com- + -plectī, deponent form of plectere "to plait, twine" — more at ply entry 3

Verb

derivative of complex entry 1 or complex entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

complex 1 of 3

adjective

com·plex käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

kəm-ˈ

ˈkäm-ˌ

: having many varied interrelated parts, patterns, or elements and consequently hard to understand

complex behavior

a complex personality

complex plants and animals

: formed by the union of simpler chemical substances

complex proteins

complex

2 of 3

noun

com·plex ˈkäm-ˌpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

: a group of repressed memories, desires, and ideas that exert a dominant influence on the personality and behavior

a guilt complex

see castration complex, electra complex, inferiority complex, oedipus complex, persecution complex, superiority complex

: a group of chromosomes arranged or behaving in a particular way see gene complex

: a chemical association of two or more species (as ions or molecules) joined usually by weak electrostatic bonds rather than by covalent bonds

: the sum of the factors (as symptoms and lesions) characterizing a disease

primary tuberculous complex

complex

3 of 3

transitive verb

com·plex käm-ˈpleks How to pronounce complex (audio)

kəm-ˈ

ˈkäm-ˌ

: to form into a complex

RNA complexed with protein

: chelate

intransitive verb

: to form a complex

hormones which must complex with specific receptors

complex 1 of 3

adjective

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

complicated
intricate
complicate
sophisticated
convoluted
byzantine
tangled
labyrinthine
involved
elaborate
labyrinthian
baroque
knotty
difficult
varied
multifaceted
heterogeneous
daedal
compound
challenging
involute
multifarious
mixed
composite
overcomplex
overcomplicated
multipart
incomprehensible
tough
unintelligible
multibranched
inexplicable
unfathomable
impenetrable
Kafkaesque

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

simple
uncomplicated
simplistic
plain
noncomplex
simplified
homogeneous
noncomplicated
oversimplified
uniform
unvaried

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

intricate
detailed
complicated
elegant
elaborate
involved
sophisticated
exquisite
fancy
magnificent
ornate
extravagant
convoluted
splendid
grandiose
showy
exuberant
labyrinthine
grand
overwrought
flamboyant
frilly
involuted
ostentatious
labyrinthian
Byzantine
chichi
fancified
souped-up
involute
gimmicked (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

simple
unsophisticated
uncomplicated
modest
plain
unfancy
no-frills
unadorned
naked
bare
bald
unvarnished
undecorated
plain-vanilla
plain-Jane

complex

2 of 3

noun

as in facility

a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

facility
building
installation
establishment
institution
edifice
institute
company
concern
business
outfit

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

system
network
whole
series
conglomerate
interlacement
totality
web
aggregate
mesh
plexus
meshwork
sequence
supersystem
net

complex

3 of 3

verb

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

complicate
elaborate
complexify
sophisticate
perplex
intensify
entangle
embarrass
confuse
expand
muddle
develop
tangle
snarl
confound
magnify
mix (up)
mess (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

simplify
streamline
facilitate
cut
shorten
ease
unravel
straighten (out)
disentangle
abbreviate
oversimplify
untangle

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

单词	complex
释义	complex 1 of 3 noun com·plex ˈkäm-ˌpleks 1 : a whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts a complex of welfare programs the military-industrial complex 2 a : a group of culture traits relating to a single activity (such as hunting), process (such as use of flint), or culture unit b(1) : a group of repressed desires and memories that exerts a dominating influence upon the personality a guilt complex (2) : an exaggerated reaction to or preoccupation with a subject or situation He has always had a complex about spiders. She has a weight complex. Not being able to find a job was giving me a complex. c : a group of obviously related units of which the degree and nature of the relationship is imperfectly known d : the sum of factors (such as symptoms) characterizing a disease or condition primary tuberculous complex 3 : a chemical association of two or more species (such as ions or molecules) joined usually by weak electrostatic bonds rather than covalent bonds 4 : a building or group of buildings housing related units an apartment complex a sports complex complex 2 of 3 adjective com·plex käm-ˈpleks kəm-ˈpleks, ˈkäm-ˌpleks 1 a : composed of two or more parts : composite a complex mixture of chemicals b(1) of a word : having a bound form as one or more of its immediate constituents Unmanly is a complex word. (2) of a sentence : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses 2 : hard to separate, analyze, or solve a complex problem 3 : of, concerned with, being, or containing complex numbers a complex root complex analysis complexly adverb complexness noun complex 3 of 3 verb com·plex käm-ˈpleks kəm-ˈpleks, ˈkäm-ˌpleks complexed; complexing; complexes transitive verb 1 : to make complex or into a complex 2 : chelate complexation ˌkäm-ˌplek-ˈsā-shən kəm- noun Did you know? The Complex Origins of Complex The word complex lives up to its name, as it contains multiple parts of speech and senses. It serves as an adjective, a noun, and, less commonly, as a verb. The verb use is the oldest of the three, with an original meaning of “to join or unite.” Complex comes from the Latin complecti, which means “to entwine around, to embrace,” a word that is based in part on plectere (“to braid”). English has a number of other words that can be traced to plectere, including perplex, plexus (“an intricately interwoven combination of elements or parts in a cohering structure”), and amplexus (“the mating embrace of some amphibians, such as frogs and toads”). Synonyms Noun establishment facility installation Adjective baroque byzantine complicate complicated convoluted daedal elaborate intricate involute involved knotty labyrinthian labyrinthine sophisticated tangled Verb complexify complicate embarrass entangle perplex sophisticate See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun She has a complex about her appearance. a complex of protein molecules Adjective The house's wiring is complex. The situation is more complex than you realize. Verb there's no need to complex what should be a simple process for obtaining a building permit Recent Examples on the Web Noun On Monday, after shelling started a fire on the grounds of the complex, the plant was disconnected from the power grid. Eric Nagourney, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2022 At least three officers then carried Lewis out by his arms and legs and eventually placed him on the ground of the apartment complex. CBS News, 1 Sep. 2022 There have been at least four escapes this year, as well as a riot in which 20 juveniles took over parts of the complex. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 26 Aug. 2022 Department officials filed redactions to the documents shortly before the noon Thursday deadline set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart, who approved the warrant for the Aug. 8 search of the complex in West Palm Beach, Fla. Sadie Gurman, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 There were other problems: a cyclone struck the structure just one week before opening, damaging beyond repair a freshwater pool that was part of the complex. Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 22 Aug. 2022 The skilled workers and company executives tended to live in South Pullman, while the unskilled workers were funneled to the north side of the complex, Olomoniyi said. Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 Around mid-pandemic in 2020, McConnell said Shiffer moved out of the apartment complex with aspirations to go out West. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2022 According to a news release, Draper detectives continue to speak with witnesses and residents of the apartment complex as the case remains under investigation. Scott D. Pierce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022 Adjective Oxenberg says that life inside a royal family is always more complex behind the scenes. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2022 The Rhoden family history was complex before this tragedy. Bob Strickley, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 The financing that makes up the wealth behind the crown is complex. Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 But while some employers might write that off as overconfidence from an inexperienced applicant, the reality is a bit more complex. Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Their crust is complex, lightly soured with the ideal chew-to-crunch ratio, and topped with equal parts care and exuberance. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Tackling the entire world’s inner workings as a topic means that the solutions are necessarily going to be more complex. Carole Horst, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 Beyond that, finding the line between what is and isn’t appropriate is complex. WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 Even though the rail line’s second phase was expected to be far less complex than the first, contractors quickly ran into problems. Justin George, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Noun borrowed from Latin complexus "embrace, grasp, inclusion" (Late Latin also, "whole, entirety") from complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include" + -tus, suffix of action nouns; (sense 2b (1)) after German Komplex — more at complex entry 2 Adjective borrowed from Late Latin complexus "composite, connected, intertwined," going back to Latin, past participle of complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include," from com- com- + -plectī, deponent form of plectere "to plait, twine" — more at ply entry 3 Verb derivative of complex entry 1 or complex entry 2 First Known Use Noun 1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Adjective 1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Phrases Containing complex complex fraction coordination complex complex number complex plane conjugate complex number complex regional pain syndrome Electra complex compound-complex major histocompatibility complex inferiority complex MSG symptom complex Oedipus complex Napoleon complex prison industrial complex synaptonemal complex B complex superiority complex military-industrial complex complex carbohydrate vitamin B complex AIDS-related complex Golgi complex synaptinemal complex See More complex fraction coordination complex complex number complex plane conjugate complex number complex regional pain syndrome Electra complex compound-complex major histocompatibility complex inferiority complex MSG symptom complex Oedipus complex Napoleon complex prison industrial complex synaptonemal complex B complex superiority complex military-industrial complex complex carbohydrate vitamin B complex AIDS-related complex Golgi complex synaptinemal complex See More Kids Definition complex adjective com·plex käm-ˈpleks kəm-ˈpleks, ˈkäm-ˌpleks 1 : not easy to understand or explain : not simple complex instructions 2 : having parts that go together in complicated ways a complex invention Medical Definition complex 1 of 3 adjective com·plex käm-ˈpleks kəm-ˈ ˈkäm-ˌ 1 : having many varied interrelated parts, patterns, or elements and consequently hard to understand complex behavior a complex personality complex plants and animals 2 : formed by the union of simpler chemical substances complex proteins complex 2 of 3 noun com·plex ˈkäm-ˌpleks 1 : a group of repressed memories, desires, and ideas that exert a dominant influence on the personality and behavior a guilt complex see castration complex, electra complex, inferiority complex, oedipus complex, persecution complex, superiority complex 2 : a group of chromosomes arranged or behaving in a particular way see gene complex 3 : a chemical association of two or more species (as ions or molecules) joined usually by weak electrostatic bonds rather than by covalent bonds 4 : the sum of the factors (as symptoms and lesions) characterizing a disease primary tuberculous complex complex 3 of 3 transitive verb com·plex käm-ˈpleks kəm-ˈ ˈkäm-ˌ 1 : to form into a complex RNA complexed with protein 2 : chelate intransitive verb : to form a complex hormones which must complex with specific receptors complex 1 of 3 adjective 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 complicated intricate complicate sophisticated convoluted byzantine tangled labyrinthine involved elaborate labyrinthian baroque knotty difficult varied multifaceted heterogeneous daedal compound challenging involute multifarious mixed composite overcomplex overcomplicated multipart incomprehensible tough unintelligible multibranched inexplicable unfathomable impenetrable Kafkaesque Antonyms & Near Antonyms simple uncomplicated simplistic plain noncomplex simplified homogeneous noncomplicated oversimplified uniform unvaried See More 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 intricate detailed complicated elegant elaborate involved sophisticated exquisite fancy magnificent ornate extravagant convoluted splendid grandiose showy exuberant labyrinthine grand overwrought flamboyant frilly involuted ostentatious labyrinthian Byzantine chichi fancified souped-up involute gimmicked (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms simple unsophisticated uncomplicated modest plain unfancy no-frills unadorned naked bare bald unvarnished undecorated plain-vanilla plain-Jane See More complex 2 of 3 noun 1 as in facility a structure that is designed and built for a particular purpose an apartment complex Synonyms & Similar Words facility building installation establishment institution edifice institute company concern business outfit 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 system network whole series conglomerate interlacement totality web aggregate mesh plexus meshwork sequence supersystem net complex 3 of 3 verb 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 complicate elaborate complexify sophisticate perplex intensify entangle embarrass confuse expand muddle develop tangle snarl confound magnify mix (up) mess (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms simplify streamline facilitate cut shorten ease unravel straighten (out) disentangle abbreviate oversimplify untangle See More Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of complex are complicated, intricate, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure. a complex recipe While the synonyms complicated and complex are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. complicated legal procedures The synonyms intricate and complex are sometimes interchangeable, but intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately. an intricate web of deceit Although the words involved and complex have much in common, involved implies extreme complication and often disorder. a rambling, involved explanation While in some cases nearly identical to complex, knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable. knotty ethical questions
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complex

noun

adjective

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing complex

Kids Definition

adjective

Medical Definition

adjective

noun

transitive verb

adjective

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser