Definition of complexitynext
1
as in complexness
the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects the complexity of the company's computer system is such that a full-time employee is needed to maintain it

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2
as in difficulty
something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult the political complexities that the secretary-general must deal with

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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 complexity The experiments demonstrated routing at two levels of complexity on the same superconducting computing platform. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 However, the threat has only grown in complexity, as other foreign adversaries, including Iran, have ramped up efforts to undermine confidence in the American electoral system and advocate for their preferred candidates and policies. Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 Cross-border logistics, customs, VAT, inventory allocation, employment requirements and different retail calendars all add complexity. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 Commercial property management is its own profession with its own language, priorities, financial drivers and legal complexities. David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complexity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complexity
Noun
  • Materials such as silk and cashmere are being blended with traditional cotton constructions to create denim that balances authenticity with a heightened sense of sophistication.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • It's designed to increase the sophistication of previous exercises with simultaneous air and naval drills geared toward improving joint ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and other skills and capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, there were signs of the difficulties clubs faced in concluding their business by 7pm.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • More concerning memory problems may involve difficulty retaining new information in the first place, like repeatedly asking a question without remembering the answer.
    Danielle Zickl, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Its uniquely wide view will also help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy while perhaps clearing up some contradictions about our universe that scientists have been scratching their heads over for decades.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson also wants his QB1 to make the next jump with some of the intricacies involved with coverage recognition.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There were also legal complications over the film rights until Schwarzenegger convinced Carolco Pictures, the studio behind Total Recall (1990), to buy everyone out and hire Cameron to make Judgment Day.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Children under the age of 5 who get measles are more likely to develop serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, compared with older kids.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complexity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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