labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine ˌla-bə-ˈrin(t)-thən  -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling a labyrinth : intricate, involved

2

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the internal ear

labyrinthine lesions

Synonyms

• intricate
• complicated
• complicate
• complex
• sophisticated

Examples of labyrinthine in a Sentence

labyrinthine politics that left us totally befuddled

Recent Examples on the Web

The material was sensitive, labyrinthine, and mountainous in scope. —Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025

Krasznahorkai eventually found a global cult audience, who recognized his distinct ability to cloak anomie, violence, and resignation, smudged with a kind of gutter comedy, within a labyrinthine syntax. —Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025

Arranged in a labyrinthine formation, the works with their play on color and transparency created a meandering runway that contrasted beautifully against the dark and hard surfaces of the warehouse venue. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

With the help of 14-year-old Jewish refugee Miriam, Steven embarks on a daring quest across the city’s labyrinthine streets. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for labyrinthine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

labyrinthine

adjective

lab·​y·​rin·​thine -ˈrin(t)-thən; -ˈrin-ˌthīn  -ˌthēn 

: of, relating to, affecting, or originating in the inner ear

human labyrinthine lesions