intricate

adjective

in·tri·cate ˈin-tri-kət

Synonyms of intricate

: having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated

intricate machinery

an intricate plot

: difficult to resolve or analyze

intricately adverb

intricateness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for intricate

complex, complicated, intricate, involved, knotty mean having confusingly interrelated parts.

complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

Examples of intricate in a Sentence

Filigree is an ancient technique that creates an intricate, lace-like pattern through the combination of wire swirls and shapes. —Jeanne Rhodes-Moen, Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Fall 2007

Tsunami generation involves intricate interactions among earthquakes, landslides, and "sympathetic" vibrations between the quake and the ocean above it. —Robert Koenig, Science, 17 Aug. 2001

However, other random processes can be quite intricate; for example, the fluctuating prices of stocks are difficult to explain because there are so many variables and combinations of variables that are influencing the prices. —Lloyd Jaisingh, Statistics for the Utterly Confused, 2000

The movie has an intricate plot. an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The second look featured a sheer, lace gown with intricate floral details, which Blanco complemented in a black tuxedo and bow tie, also designed by Ralph Lauren. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 Potential applications include heat exchangers with intricate internal cooling channels, reactor internals, pumps and valves. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Details of the intricate design of Saint John-Watson's gold wedding jewelry. — Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Retaining original details like coffered ceilings and intricate custom millwork, the three-story home spans about 6,200 square feet, including a separate apartment above the attached two-car garage. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin intricatus, past participle of intricare to entangle, from in- + tricae trifles, complications

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of intricate was in the 15th century

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Style

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intricate

adjective

in·tri·cate ˈin-tri-kət

: having many complexly interrelating parts, elements, or considerations : complicated

an intricate design

difficult to solve the intricate puzzle

intricately adverb

intricateness noun

intricate

adjective

Synonyms of intricate

Examples of intricate in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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