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Synonyms

Gordian

American  
[gawr-dee-uhn] / ˈgɔr di ən /

adjective

  1. pertaining to Gordius, ancient king of Phrygia, who tied a knot the Gordian knot that, according to prophecy, was to be undone only by the person who was to rule Asia, and that was cut, rather than untied, by Alexander the Great.

  2. resembling the Gordian knot in intricacy.

idioms

  1. cut the Gordian knot, to act quickly and decisively in a difficult situation; solve a problem boldly.

Etymology

Origin of Gordian

1555–65; < Latin Gordi ( us ) (< Greek Górdios Gordius) + -an

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.

Could the administration try to unravel this Gordian knot by suppressing prices and pushing for easy money?

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

If generations of diplomats viewed the post-Soviet challenges of Eastern Europe as a Gordian knot to be painstakingly unraveled, the president envisioned an easy fix: The borders matter less than the business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

Since then, we’ve seen more and more rope added to these Gordian knots.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2025

Shapiro dexterously untangles the Gordian knot of their entwined passions, shared ambitions and business bottom lines.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

For many of us, this one is the Gordian knot of possessive puzzles.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.