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 ArmbristerExamples 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
Formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, collagen, and sodium hyaluronate (a sister to hyaluronic acid), the serum reduces signs of aging and supports collagen production, evens your skin complexion, and defends against free radicals.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Brushed onto her lids and tapped into her inner corners, the pale blue tone stood out against her deep complexion.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 July 2025
Clinically proven to reduce swelling and brighten your complexion after just one use, this product features a curved tip that hugs tricky areas, such as the inner corners of your eyes.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 July 2025
Any skin-care connoisseur knows red light therapy to be one of the most efficacious means to treating one’s complexion, both in office and at home.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
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.
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Brushed onto her lids and tapped into her inner corners, the pale blue tone stood out against her deep complexion.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 July 2025
Clinically proven to reduce swelling and brighten your complexion after just one use, this product features a curved tip that hugs tricky areas, such as the inner corners of your eyes.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 July 2025
Any skin-care connoisseur knows red light therapy to be one of the most efficacious means to treating one’s complexion, both in office and at home.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
Cite this Entry
“Complexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complexion. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share