involute

adjective

ˈin-və-ˌlüt How to pronounce involute (audio)
Definition of involutenext
1
as in complicate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated the novel's deliberately involute plot is intended as a brainteaser for readers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spiral
turning around an axis like the thread of a screw the chambered nautilus is readily identified by its involute seashell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 involute Lucid has patented the involute profile of the gear teeth within its transmission, optimized for performance and efficiency to transmit maximum torque under power while spinning with the least resistance otherwise. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involute
  1. complicate
  2. spiral
  3. intricate
  4. winding
  5. complicated
  6. complex
  7. sophisticated
Adjective
  • The company very deliberately targets large enterprise customers, which have the biggest and most complicate supply chain ecosystems.
    — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Wilcox noted that overlaps between substance use and suicide complicate reduction efforts.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
Definition of complicate
Adjective
  • But your first goal is to make sure that one unexpected bill doesn't trigger a debt spiral — even $25 per pay period is a start.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Queen conchs live in spiral, sandy-colored shells with a bright pink or orange interior.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of spiral
Adjective
  • The intricate leather cutouts appear across the strap across the toes and on the straps that wrap around the back of the foot.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As with software, the features that optimize for agents differ significantly from the intricate features of modern internet sites built for human use.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of intricate
Adjective
  • Every floor and room is dedicated to specific watch brands and timepieces, featuring bespoke details like watch-hand door handles and winding-crown faucet handles, all crafted by Florentine artisans.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As such, the show takes you on a winding journey of France’s influential craftsmanship and its impact on America via archival looks, dazzling objects, and more modern creations.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 29 May 2026
Definition of winding
Adjective
  • Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • She was steeped in the minutiae of a profoundly complicated culture.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • The approach does not automatically establish the exact cause of every settlement anomaly, and underground conditions can be complex.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of complex
Adjective
  • The Future According to Brad is chunks in shades of butterscotch, caramel, and cinnamon—sophisticated candy colors.
    — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Chemical suppliers are developing increasingly sophisticated products, while machinery, software and process control continue to improve.
    — Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of sophisticated

Browse Nearby Words

involuntary
involute
involuted
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Cite this Entry

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

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