1
Core quality
Excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
Example
The article reaches a simple conclusion through a convoluted argument.
convoluted
/ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd/ · KON-vuh-loo-tidadjective
Excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
Use convoluted to express this relationship precisely: excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
What convoluted Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
A convoluted application procedure discouraged participation.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The explanation is accurate but too convoluted for new readers.
Use convoluted Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The article reaches a simple conclusion through a convoluted argument.
A convoluted application procedure discouraged participation.
The explanation is accurate but too convoluted for new readers.
Precision Matters
Convoluted overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
convoluted
vs.Means excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
opaque
Means not allowing light through; figuratively, difficult or impossible to understand.
convoluted
vs.Means excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
intricate
Means very detailed and complicated.
convoluted
vs.Means excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
coherent
Means clear, logical, internally consistent, and forming a unified whole.
convoluted
vs.Means excessively complicated, intricate, or difficult to follow and understand.
lucid
Means clear, coherent, and easy to understand.
Test convoluted in Context
Their excessive complexity makes them difficult to follow.
1
The instructions circle through multiple exceptions and cross-references, making them needlessly ___.