1
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
elaborate festivities for the 200th anniversary of the town's founding
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thorough
including many small descriptive features
the elaborate world known as Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created in his richly imagined novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
plans for a huge mall that will actually be an elaborate center for sports, entertainment, and shopping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elaborate
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 18 June 2026
As safety regulations increased in later decades, the elaborate hood ornament largely disappeared, replaced by badges that were far less romantic but much less likely to impale anyone.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
On The View Tuesday, Vance elaborated on that mea culpa.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Adjective
Last summer, Koudou says that most of her clients wanted freestyle braids—an elaborate style with cornrows braided in different patterns.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 18 June 2026
As safety regulations increased in later decades, the elaborate hood ornament largely disappeared, replaced by badges that were far less romantic but much less likely to impale anyone.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
Lee separately elaborated on the strategic rationale in a statement tied to the announcement.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 17 June 2026
On The View Tuesday, Vance elaborated on that mea culpa.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
-
Being able to provide a more detailed origin on the label gives the producer a story to tell and lends the wine greater exclusivity.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
See below for a more detailed methodology.—
Ashley Mowreader,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Detectives with the Arlington Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit conducted a thorough investigation, according to police, and obtained a warrant for Reyna’s arrest.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
-
Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Art Nouveau design incorporates ceiling frescoes, terra-cotta floors, and intricate woodwork.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
-
Some limited sets are as affordable as $25, while the largest, most intricate sets can cost up to $500.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
As opposed to tragedy’s narrative arc of historical fate, tragicomedy unfolds in an infinite present.—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
-
Challenges remain, but improvements continue to unfold as reforms work through the system.—
Chuck Bonfiglio,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
This will surely bring up some complicated emotions.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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Behind the glitter, grooves and Grammy-winning legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire sits a more complicated story, revealing a more personal side of the band’s founder, Maurice White.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
-
Dutch find separating goal to regain control With Japan in full control of momentum after the quick answer, the Netherlands parlayed a swing of possession into a winner in the 64th minute.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The food and drink menu continues to evolve to satisfy hungry customers.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
Lauder engaged with employees, including a Reverse Mentor team, to understand evolving consumer paths to beauty discovery.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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