convoluted
Americanadjective
-
twisted; coiled.
-
complicated; intricately involved.
a convoluted way of describing a simple device.
adjective
-
(esp of meaning, style, etc) difficult to comprehend; involved
-
wound together; coiled
Other Word Forms
- convolutedly adjective
- convolutedness noun
- unconvoluted adjective
Etymology
Origin of convoluted
Explanation
If something is convoluted, it's intricate and hard to understand. You'll need to read over your brother's convoluted investment scheme a few times before deciding whether or not to go in on it. Convoluted comes from the Latin convolutus for rolled up together. Its original meaning in English was exactly that, first for eaves coiled up on themselves, then for anything rolled or knotted together. Over time convoluted took on its metaphorical sense of complicated and intricate, which is how it's generally used today. People complain about convoluted legal language and the convoluted tax code.
Vocabulary lists containing convoluted
The Glass Castle
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Names/Nombres" by Julia Alvarez
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Color of Water
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The convoluted story, peppered with various twists, lacks momentum.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
Containing one of the more convoluted Dumas plots—which is saying something—“The Count of Monte Cristo” is tailored by director Bille August into a relatively tidy eight episodes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
This kind of content is what Donaldson has become known for: convoluted challenges and grandiose philanthropic efforts.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026
"It will just be in a less direct and slightly more convoluted manner."
From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026
He pretended, for me, that his mind and his heart were not dark and convoluted places.
From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
