Provided are a composite material capable of further enhancing property derived from carbon nanotubes adhered to carbon fibers, a prepreg, a carbon-fiber-reinforced molded article, and a method for manufacturing a composite material. There is provided a composite material including: carbon fibers; and a structure which includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes and has a network structure in which the carbon nanotubes are in direct contact with each other, and in which the carbon nanotubes adhered to surfaces of the carbon fibers directly adhere to the surfaces of the carbon fibers. The carbon nanotubes have a bent shape having a bent portion.