INTRICATE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'intricate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intricate are complex , complicated , involved , and knotty . While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately. // an intricate web of deceit

Q: When could 'complex' be used to replace 'intricate'?

In some situations, the words complex and intricate are roughly equivalent. However, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure. // a complex recipe

Q: When is 'complicated' a more appropriate choice than 'intricate'?

The words complicated and intricate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. // complicated legal procedures

Q: Where would 'involved' be a reasonable alternative to 'intricate'?

The words involved and intricate can be used in similar contexts, but involved implies extreme complication and often disorder. // a rambling, involved explanation

Q: When might 'knotty' be a better fit than 'intricate'?

The synonyms knotty and intricate are sometimes interchangeable, but knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable. // knotty ethical questions

intricate

adjective

ˈin-tri-kət

Definition of intricate

as in complicated

having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detailed

made or done with great care or with much detail an intricate hairstyle that requires far too much maintenance to suit my taste

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective intricate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intricate are complex, complicated, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When could complex be used to replace intricate?

In some situations, the words complex and intricate are roughly equivalent. However, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than intricate?

The words complicated and intricate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

Where would involved be a reasonable alternative to intricate?

The words involved and intricate can be used in similar contexts, but involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When might knotty be a better fit than intricate?

The synonyms knotty and intricate are sometimes interchangeable, but knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of intricate Those jurisdictional questions look to set up a pretty intricate set of arguments before the judge gets to the merits of the case. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 Klausner modeled the show’s intricate plotting on Curb Your Enthusiasm, constructing separate stories that would dovetail at the end of an episode. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 The powder also targets applications where manufacturers need intricate structures without sacrificing mechanical performance. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 An intricate statutory dance is required for taxpayers to make donations to particular government agencies or for particular government purposes. — Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate

Adjective

Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
She was steeped in the minutiae of a profoundly complicated culture.

— Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of complicated

Adjective

There are no surprises, only faithful responses to the driver’s inputs and an abundance of detailed feedback.

— Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
To get a better understanding of who this individual was, researchers have spent the past few years conducting a detailed analysis of the remains’ DNA and isotopes, and the chemical properties of the metallic artefacts and the decorative band.

— Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of detailed

Adjective

The approach does not automatically establish the exact cause of every settlement anomaly, and underground conditions can be complex.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of complex

Adjective

The company very deliberately targets large enterprise customers, which have the biggest and most complicate supply chain ecosystems.

— David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Wilcox noted that overlaps between substance use and suicide complicate reduction efforts.

— Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026

Definition of complicate

Adjective

Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
The couple recently tied the knot in an elegant ceremony in Sicily at the historic Villa Valguarnera near Palermo on June 6, after officially marrying in London’s Marylebone Town Hall in advance.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

The Future According to Brad is chunks in shades of butterscotch, caramel, and cinnamon—sophisticated candy colors.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Chemical suppliers are developing increasingly sophisticated products, while machinery, software and process control continue to improve.

— Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

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“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of intricate

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