intricate

adjective

in·​tri·​cate ˈin-tri-kət How to pronounce intricate (audio)
1
: having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated
intricate machinery
an intricate plot
2
: 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 Whether playing unison lines, trading off, or weaving intricate melodic tapestries, Goldings and Bernstein bring a distinctive sense of lyricism to their work. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 The books, in which Earth is faced with an alien invasion, told an epic, high-stakes story with intricate world-building, time-jumping and powerful themes. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Though it’s billed as a continuation of The Animated Series, X-Men ’97 thankfully does not require brushing up on intricate lore from the tail end of the last century. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2024 There is often a feminine edge spotted in her outfits; brooches, intricate makeup, and sky-high pumps. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 They are known for their pottery and metalwork, vibrant cultural life and intricate ceremonial rituals. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Insects have gone mainstream, with intricate and colorful beauties finding their way onto home decor and jewelry, and also being more welcomed in our gardens. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 Both of his big toes included the Texas pickle brand’s logo, and his remaining toes included intricate nail art to resemble pickles. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The humbler the output, the more comically intricate, even poignant, the processes seem. The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2024

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.

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

Dictionary Entries Near intricate

Cite this Entry

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intricate

adjective
in·​tri·​cate ˈin-tri-kət How to pronounce intricate (audio)
: having many complexly interrelating parts, elements, or considerations : complicated
an intricate design
difficult to solve the intricate puzzle
intricately adverb
intricateness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intricate

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