1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knotty
Their work, together and apart, eventually took them to some of the most knotty and high-profile spots in defense law.
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Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
The band finds their footing in the song’s first minutes — tittering cymbals, a piano line, a knotty electric guitar, and chanted vocals in Spanish and French build like a symphony.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
And while the show’s famously knotty plot still struggles to make every dramatic move land, the voices at the center of the production leave no room for debate.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
Just about the only sure bet in the knotty and complicated milieu in which fashion operates is how much remains terra incognita.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knotty
Adjective
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The receiver and its forensic accountant scrutinized the activities of just seven entities that Acharya and his company controlled, a review that revealed an intricate web of dealings by the real estate executive.—
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The intricate gown required 323 hours to make and features roughly 200 embroidered elements.—
Adjective
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Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.—
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Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.—
Adjective
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But, the good news is that cleaning shower grout isn't complicated.—
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So there are a lot of complicated emotions and a mixture of emotions happening, as well as gestures.—
Adjective
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After a rocky two years, the luxury industry is expected to carry its third-quarter recovery into Q4, despite some tough comparables.—
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That hope ended on July 3, 2025 when Michael, the charismatic tough guy actor known for his memorable roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died of cardiac arrest at 67 years old after a long struggle with alcoholism.—
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
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Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
Adjective
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The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
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Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Adjective
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
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Most of its joints can rotate fully, giving it flexibility for tight or complex spaces.—
Adjective
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Those costs, Adler said, include slowing down response times, increasing the number of computations and sometimes the model rejecting non-problematic requests.—
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The Sabres run into some significant issues down the lineup — upgrading the fourth line should be among Kekäläinen’s most pressing priorities between now and the trade deadline — but young centre Noah Ostlund has helped give Buffalo’s usually problematic fourth line some connective heft and floor.—
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knotty. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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