convoluted

adjective

ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
Definition of convolutednext
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of convoluted The woman had been on etap, a word in the Russian prison lexicon which refers to the convoluted transfer process between detention centers. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 New characters and backstory details are dropped in before existing loose ends are tied up, resulting in unclear motivations and convoluted layers of subplot that, ultimately, do not prove relevant enough to have been worth disentangling. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 If the project seems somewhat convoluted and unnecessarily complex, Dreier has emphasized that’s in part because the US space program has been subject to budget uncertainties and the shifting whims of presidential administrations. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Ted himself would never say so, of course — he’d aw-shucks the notion via some convoluted reference to a beloved ’80s movie. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convoluted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convoluted
  1. complicated
  2. intricate
  3. complicate
  4. complex
  5. sophisticated
Adjective
  • There’s a recent example of how complicated that can be in practice.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • Bridges and overhangs were clean, confirming excellent exposure calibration and the printer's ability to resolve intricate features without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Those jurisdictional questions look to set up a pretty intricate set of arguments before the judge gets to the merits of the case.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of intricate
Adjective
  • The company very deliberately targets large enterprise customers, which have the biggest and most complicate supply chain ecosystems.
    — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Wilcox noted that overlaps between substance use and suicide complicate reduction efforts.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
Definition of complicate
Adjective
  • What is going right in Syria The legalities of transitional justice may be complex, but this verdict is still seen as a landmark moment for justice.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But these are merely the opening chords in this complex orchestration.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of complex
Adjective
  • Something Sculptural As the name would suggest, the Rodin stool from Arhaus has a sculptural appeal—it can be easily assimilated into a sophisticated bar setup, or used to dress up a more casual breakfast bar.
    — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In Chicago, perpetrators are a mix of opportunists and more sophisticated networks often tied to street gangs.
    — Kiel Porter, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

convoking
convoluted
convolution
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Cite this Entry

“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoluted. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on convoluted

Nglish: Translation of convoluted for Spanish Speakers

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