complexion

noun

kəm-ˈplek-shən How to pronounce complexion (audio)
Definition of complexionnext
1
as in color
the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face a sunscreen for people with very light complexions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others changing the complexion of the department to reflect changing needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complexion The person of interest is a man, possibly Hispanic or mixed race, 40 to 50 years old with a medium complexion who is tall in stature but has a thin build. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Armani Beauty updated the formula for mature skin, infusing it with skincare ingredients that help to keep complexions luminous and plump during wear. — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026 The lightweight formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide to plump and smooth your complexion while simultaneously protecting it. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 If only Elanga had managed to finish off an almost identical chance at Villa Park on his Newcastle debut a year ago, then the winger’s first season on Tyneside may have taken on a very different complexion. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complexion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complexion
  1. color
  2. self
  3. coloring
  4. tone
  5. personality
  6. nature
  7. colors
  8. character
Noun
  • Choose from dark or light gray, or grab it in other fall-ready colors including varsity red, coffee brown, and custard yellow.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of color
Noun
  • Sweet Humans is about believing in and elevating independent stories and voices, and building something together where everyone can be their authentic selves.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • Caramel coloring is allowed as long as it’s disclosed on the label.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Color By Subtraction Your child can complete the subtraction problems on this coloring page.
    — Nicole Harris, Parents, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of coloring
Noun
  • Expressing positive sentiment, such as appreciation, also proved more effective than neutral or negative tones.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Soto returning from an injury late in a lost season could help set a tone for next year.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • Of course, Sophie-Rose and her friend Garrett (social-media personality Jake Shane) have no reason to care about Billie at all.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The media personality recently shared an Instagram Reel promoting her podcast interview with author Virginia Evans (The Correspondent) while wearing a striped button-up blouse.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • All three projects will collectively contribute to better measurements of how cosmic structure is changing over time—crucial information for clarifying the nature of dark energy and dark matter in the universe’s evolution.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While the moves are not dramatic, the elevated nature of yields has added to the debt burden, putting interest paid as the largest federal expenditure outside Social Security and Medicare.
    — Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Available in 12 colors, these jeans pack a ton of versatility.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The brand’s Speedcat Ballet Mules arrived earlier this season and, immediately, colors started selling out.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • The Oscar-winning actress has written a new musical stage adaptation around the character, set to open on London’s prestigious theater scene in the summer of 2027.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The entire ensemble of cast led by Manoj, Divya, and Boman bring an incredible depth to their characters.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of character

Browse Nearby Words

complexing
complexion
complexions
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Cite this Entry

“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complexion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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