What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
convoluted
Example
The convoluted plot of the movie left many viewers confused. [convoluted: adjective]
Example
The river flowed through a convoluted path, making it difficult to navigate. [convoluted: adjective]
tangled
Example
Her hair was so tangled that it took hours to comb out. [tangled: adjective]
Example
The political situation in the country is becoming more and more tangled. [tangled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tangled is more commonly used than convoluted in everyday language. Tangled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while convoluted is less common and is typically used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between convoluted and tangled?
Convoluted is more formal and academic, while tangled is more informal and conversational. Therefore, convoluted is more appropriate for formal or technical writing, while tangled is more suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.