KNOTTY Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'knotty' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knotty are complex , complicated , intricate , and involved . While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable. // knotty ethical questions

Q: When can 'complex' be used instead of 'knotty'?

The meanings of complex and knotty largely overlap; however, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure. // a complex recipe

Q: When would 'complicated' be a good substitute for 'knotty'?

While the synonyms complicated and knotty are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. // complicated legal procedures

Q: When could 'intricate' be used to replace 'knotty'?

The words intricate and knotty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately. // an intricate web of deceit

Q: When is 'involved' a more appropriate choice than 'knotty'?

The words involved and knotty can be used in similar contexts, but involved implies extreme complication and often disorder. // a rambling, involved explanation

knotty

adjective

ˈnä-tē

Definition of knotty next

as in intricate

having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated the knotty problems that arise when every nation is part of the global marketplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective knotty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knotty are complex, complicated, intricate, and involved. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

When can complex be used instead of knotty?

The meanings of complex and knotty largely overlap; however, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When would complicated be a good substitute for knotty?

While the synonyms complicated and knotty are close in meaning, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

When could intricate be used to replace knotty?

The words intricate and knotty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When is involved a more appropriate choice than knotty?

The words involved and knotty can be used in similar contexts, but involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

Examples 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 knotty There are many knotty problems to solve, ranging from secure custody at institutional scale, to securing regulatory clarity and acceptance. —

Sandy Carter, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 The lifeguards who serve as our heroes are stationed on the North Shore of O’ahu, a place with stunning scenery and, more intriguingly, a host of knotty local issues specific to a geographically remote tourism hotspot. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Sep. 2024 Despite these knotty bits, Harvest stands strong and tall, a work solid as an oak. —

Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 Alfred narrowly escapes with his life and embarks on a harrowing yet transformative journey through the woods — and symbolically his dark and knotty mind — that forces him to untangle his conflicted feelings about fame. —

EW.com, 10 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for knotty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty

Adjective

The true essence of project success lies in understanding the intricate connections of internal dynamics that make each organization unique.

Goran Paun, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
There is a special challenge to bringing these patterns to life on a watch dial, which is a preposterously small canvas for such intricate designs.

Carol Besler, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024