Search Dictionary
Definition of knotty

knotty

/ˈnɒt.i/
knot · ty
Adverb:knottily
JUMP TO:

knotty Lexical Profile

knotty Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely complex, intricate, and difficult to solve or explain.

Example

"The legal team spent weeks debating the knotty question of intellectual property rights."

2

Full of knots, gnarled lumps, or tangled loops (especially of wood, hair, or cord).

Example

"The cabin walls were paneled with warm, knotty pine planks."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for knotty
Antonyms
View all antonyms for knotty

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'knotty' (full of knots or extremely complex) with its homophone 'naughty' (disobedient, mischievous, or indecent).

• Rhymes for knotty

• Nearby Words

knotted
knottily
knotting
knotty
knotweed
know
know-how

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'knot' (from Old English 'cnotta') plus the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Knotty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/knotty
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.