Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

complicated

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

adjective

  1. composed of elaborately interconnected parts; complex.

    complicated apparatus for measuring brain functions.

  2. difficult to analyze, understand, explain, etc..

    a complicated problem.

    Synonyms:
    knotty, tangled, involved

complicated British  
/ ˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd /

adjective

  1. made up of intricate parts or aspects that are difficult to understand or analyse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • complicatedly adverb
  • complicatedness noun
  • uncomplicated adjective

Etymology

Origin of complicated

First recorded in 1640–50; complicate + -ed 2

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.

Her dedication to pursuing complicated parts about exceptionally determined women has set her far apart from her peers.

From Salon

Art Acevedo, a former chief in Houston and Miami, said that for any big-city chief, taking an official position on an issue as divisive as immigration can be complicated.

From Los Angeles Times

That could make a significant difference for the likes of Bad Bunny -- but even then, Rivera-Rideau said, it's complicated.

From Barron's

She creates large casts of interesting, complicated characters.

From The Wall Street Journal

For a moment her face convulsed with shock, with hope, with something stranger and more complicated than both; and then she shook her head.

From Literature