complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən 
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
a
: an individual complex of ways of thinking or feeling
b
: a complex of attitudes and inclinations
3
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
4
: overall aspect or character
by changing the complexion of the legislative branch—
Trevor Armbrister
Trevor Armbrister
Examples of complexion in a Sentence
She has a dark complexion.
All of the children had healthy complexions.
The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.
Recent Examples on the Web
From lightweight formulas to powerful hydration, find your ideal match for a radiant complexion.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Those with dry or mature skin should choose hydrating options, while those with oilier complexions should keep an eye out for powders with mattifying properties.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
The individual is described as a man with a dark complexion, approximately 35 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 180 pounds and a medium build.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2024
Healthy skin means a soft and smooth texture, as well as a complexion that’s firm and tight, and even in color.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Authorities described the suspect as a male in his 30s with a dark complexion, about 6 feet tall and wearing a blue jacket.
—Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024
That, in combination with Mckinney’s dark complexion, didn’t go over well in her hometown.
—M.h. Miller, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2024
It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in extra moisture and plump up lines for dewy, supple complexion that feels instantly quenched.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different hues to see what makes your complexion glow and your eyeglasses a perfect match.
—William Mullane, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2024
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Those with dry or mature skin should choose hydrating options, while those with oilier complexions should keep an eye out for powders with mattifying properties.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
The individual is described as a man with a dark complexion, approximately 35 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 180 pounds and a medium build.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2024
Healthy skin means a soft and smooth texture, as well as a complexion that’s firm and tight, and even in color.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Authorities described the suspect as a male in his 30s with a dark complexion, about 6 feet tall and wearing a blue jacket.
—Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024
That, in combination with Mckinney’s dark complexion, didn’t go over well in her hometown.
—M.h. Miller, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2024
It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in extra moisture and plump up lines for dewy, supple complexion that feels instantly quenched.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different hues to see what makes your complexion glow and your eyeglasses a perfect match.
—William Mullane, Detroit Free Press, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'complexion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to complexion
Dictionary Entries Near complexion
Cite this Entry
“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
has a dark complexion
2
: general appearance : character
information that changes the whole complexion of a situation
Medical Definition
complexion
noun
com·plex·ion
kəm-ˈplek-shən
1
: the combination of the hot, cold, moist, and dry qualities held in medieval physiology to determine the quality of a body
2
: the hue or appearance of the skin and especially of the face
a dark complexion
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