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

That is true even if the leader is public-minded and deeply versed in policy intricacies. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

The reason is that generic LLMs aren’t trained in the intricacies of things like running a warehouse or collaborating with suppliers. — Chris Burchett, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The day after a game, McCardell and Jefferson talk through these intricacies with the rest of the Vikings receivers. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Researchers have been puzzled by the intricacies of the genome, especially noncoding DNA—the 98 percent of DNA that doesn’t code for specific proteins but still plays a major role in the body’s function. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 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