Convoluted
//ˌkɒnvəˈl(j)uːtɪd// adj, verb
adj, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Definitions
Verb
- 1 simple past and past participle of convolute form-of, participle, past
Adjective
- 1 Having numerous overlapping coils or folds; convolute.
"[B]y the means of theſe hooks, and Spikes it [a tapeworm in the intestines] might faſten it ſelf, and ſo prevent it's too eaſy ejection out of the body. For it being ſo very long, and large too, and it's body in many places winding, and convoluted, the deſcent of the fæces upon all occaſions would be apt to carry it out with them; had it not this hold, [...]"
- 2 Complex, complicated, or intricate. figuratively
"He gave a convoluted explanation that amounted to little more than a weak excuse for his absence."
Adjective
- 1 highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious wordnet
- 2 rolled longitudinally upon itself wordnet
Antonyms
All antonymsExample
More examples"I find your argument too convoluted. Couldn't you try to make it simpler and more concise?"
Etymology
From convolute + -d.
Related phrases
More for "convoluted"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.