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
Since the inaugural event in 2023, TBFE has raised over $250,000 for local charities while giving opportunities to models of all shapes, sizes, complexions, and abilities to walk runways, not just in Tampa, but at New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
After treating their complexions to these topicals, Park and Lee proceed to the toner step, using Walmart’s Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pads for the task at hand.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
The lightweight formula delivers hydration to your complexion, which is necessary for minimizing the appearance of scars and marks.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2025
Combined, the ingredients are a powerhouse that encourages surface skin cell turnover to give complexions an overall smooth, supple appearance.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for complexion
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Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
After treating their complexions to these topicals, Park and Lee proceed to the toner step, using Walmart’s Mediheal Teatree Trouble Pads for the task at hand.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
The lightweight formula delivers hydration to your complexion, which is necessary for minimizing the appearance of scars and marks.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 29 Oct. 2025
Combined, the ingredients are a powerhouse that encourages surface skin cell turnover to give complexions an overall smooth, supple appearance.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
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