convoluted
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for convoluted, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Extremely complicated and hard to follow.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Extremely complicated and hard to follow.
“His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it.”
Opposites
2. adj
Having many twists, coils, or folds.
“The shell had a convoluted, spiralling shape.”
Opposites
How to use convoluted
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
convoluted plot
convoluted argument
convoluted explanation
Etymology
From Latin convolutus, "rolled together, twisted" — related to "revolve."
Full origin of convoluted →Frequently asked questions
What does “convoluted” mean?
The word “convoluted” means extremely complicated and hard to follow. In plain terms, overly complicated, twisted, or hard to follow — used for both physical shapes and confusing explanations.
How do you pronounce “convoluted”?
“Convoluted” is pronounced kon-vuh-LOO-tihd (/ˌkɑnvəˈlutəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “convoluted” in a sentence?
Here is “convoluted” used in a sentence: “His explanation was so convoluted that nobody understood it.”
What part of speech is “convoluted”?
“Convoluted” is an adjective.
Where does the word “convoluted” come from?
The word “convoluted” comes from Latin. From Latin convolutus, "rolled together, twisted" — related to "revolve.".
How many meanings does “convoluted” have?
“Convoluted” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely complicated and hard to follow.
