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

And then there’s a lot of intricacies within there. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 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 best in the genre are morality tales that deftly mine their themes without getting too heavy-handed, exploring the intricacies of human nature. — Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

Priced around $325, it's recommended served neat to appreciate its intricacies. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 14 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