knottier; knottiest
: marked by or full of knots
especially
: so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution
a knotty problem
knottiness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of knotty in a Sentence
the knotty problems that arise when every nation is part of the global marketplace
the candidates cautiously gave their views on an array of knotty issues
Recent Examples on the Web
Unfortunately, making that constitutional right operational on a day-to-day basis inevitably raises knotty problems that never can be fully resolved.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 May 2024
And the cast of characters, each with a knotty backstory, creates a tapestry of narratives that can only be glimpsed in passing.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for knotty 
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 May 2024
And the cast of characters, each with a knotty backstory, creates a tapestry of narratives that can only be glimpsed in passing.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for knotty
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knotty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near knotty
Cite this Entry
“Knotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knotty. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knotty
adjective
knot·ty
ˈnät-ē 
knottier; knottiest
1
: full of knots
knotty wood
2
: difficult sense 2b
a knotty problem
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