intricacy

noun

in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē 

plural intricacies

1

: the quality or state of being intricate

2

: something intricate

the intricacies of a plot

Synonyms of intricacy

• complexity
• difficulty
• complication

Examples of intricacy in a Sentence

She admired the composition for its beauty and intricacy.

I had trouble following all the intricacies in the plot.

the intricacies of English grammar

Recent Examples on the Web

While Lopez focused on the intricacies of the industry, Shirazi concentrated on building the operational structure required to support growth. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

And while chip diagrams quickly age out of their microscopic, high-technology medium, Schultz’s microchip rugs take the components on which our world operates and draw out their intricacies and beauty. — Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

The Athletic explains the intricacies of the rule and why Bellingham stayed on the pitch. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 24 June 2026

The incredible intricacy of setting each stone in an ombré pattern on its 18-karat- white-and-yellow-gold frame took 2,860 hours of labor. — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intricacy

noun

in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē 

plural intricacies

1

: the quality or state of being intricate

2

: something intricate

the intricacies of the plot