intricate
adjective
in·tri·cate
ˈin-tri-kət 
1
: having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated
intricate machinery
an intricate plot
2
: difficult to resolve or analyze
intricately
adverb
intricateness
noun
Synonyms
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
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
Jada's mother opted for a denim look like her grandson and wore a floor-length dark wash denim dress with a chunky gold necklace, thick hoop earrings, and an intricate bracelet.
—Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
At the 2021 Met Gala, her intricate beaded dress designed by Versace and styled by Jason Bolden was an absolute hit.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 30 May 2024
But Pearsall, the No. 31st pick, joins an all-star cast that should afford him time to learn the intricate details of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 27 May 2024
Paramedics further treated her injuries and strapped her into a rescue litter as rescuers set up an intricate lowering system, officials said.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intricate 
Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 31 May 2024
At the 2021 Met Gala, her intricate beaded dress designed by Versace and styled by Jason Bolden was an absolute hit.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 30 May 2024
But Pearsall, the No. 31st pick, joins an all-star cast that should afford him time to learn the intricate details of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 27 May 2024
Paramedics further treated her injuries and strapped her into a rescue litter as rescuers set up an intricate lowering system, officials said.
—Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for intricate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intricate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intricate
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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