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
However, California has some very knotty problems that have so far not been resolved, and in some cases have gotten worse.
—
Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 June 2024
In 2020, the legislature approved a plan to redevelop Pimlico and its sister track, Laurel Park, with $375 million in bonds, but that effort collapsed because of unforeseen tax burdens, dire structural failings at Laurel and knotty negotiations between Stronach and local officials.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024
The whirling spool snarled the line into a knotty tangle and the sprinting snook snapped it like a strand of blond hair.
—Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 27 June 2024
The issue of Israel and Palestine is famously knotty.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for knotty 
Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 June 2024
In 2020, the legislature approved a plan to redevelop Pimlico and its sister track, Laurel Park, with $375 million in bonds, but that effort collapsed because of unforeseen tax burdens, dire structural failings at Laurel and knotty negotiations between Stronach and local officials.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024
The whirling spool snarled the line into a knotty tangle and the sprinting snook snapped it like a strand of blond hair.
—Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 27 June 2024
The issue of Israel and Palestine is famously knotty.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 24 June 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 21 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share