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

Lester ran it as head coach at Western Michigan (2017-22) but dove into its intricacies as a senior analyst in Green Bay in 2023, working under former college teammate Matt LaFleur. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Stories of outlaws have been crucial to drawing out the fullness and intricacy of that picture. — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

The intricacy with which Whitehead details the planning and execution of this caper marks him as a top-tier researcher — he’s drawn on many primary sources to ground this work of fiction in historical fact. — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

If a palate is your personal experience and record of taste, mine was formed more through seeking flavors pushed to the brink than detecting delicate intricacies. — Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 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