complexion

noun

com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
Synonyms of complexion
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
2
a
: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling
b
: a complex of attitudes and inclinations
All the armed partisan groups in the city, of whatever political complexion, immediately joined in the fighting …—Anna Louise Strong
3
: overall aspect or character
… by changing the complexion of the legislative branch …—Trevor Armbrister
4
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
complexional
kəm-ˈplek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce complexion (audio)
adjective
complexioned
kəm-ˈplek-shənd How to pronounce complexion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of complexion

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Examples of complexion in a Sentence

She has a dark complexion. All of the children had healthy complexions. The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The focus was placed on her outfit, which meant makeup was minimal, with a focus on clean skin and a flushed complexion. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026 Makeup artist Skye Tostowaryk kept Rubin’s complexion minimal and even let the occasional spot make it on camera. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 The unveiling of the $250 million north end zone project will create an entirely different dimension and complexion to the stadium — from acoustics, aesthetics and amenities to stark symbolism. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 The beauty of champagne blonde is its ability to enhance a wide range of complexions while still feeling polished and wearable. — Kat Suico, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complexion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English complexioun "(of substances, parts of the body, or persons) constitution or nature resulting from a combination of the four humors, healthy disposition, facial color taken as indicating the proportion of humors, (in general) constitution, nature," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French complexion, complection "humor, combination of humors, physical constitution or nature, facial color" borrowed from Medieval Latin complexiōn-, complexiō "combination of humors or other elements, constitution, temperament," going back to Latin, "action of circling, combination, collection," from complector, complectī "to embrace, grasp, encompass, include" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complex entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of complexion was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing complexion

Rhymes for complexion

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Browse Nearby Words

complex integration
complexion
complexional
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Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
has a dark complexion
2
: general appearance : character
information that changes the whole complexion of a situation
complexioned
-shənd How to pronounce complexion (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

complexion

noun
com·​plex·​ion kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
complexioned
-shənd How to pronounce complexion (audio)
adjective
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