intricacy

noun

in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
Synonyms of intricacynext
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of a plot

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite its ornate craftsmanship and intricacies, Osaka’s tennis kit is still functional, transitioning from an entrance look to a competition-ready uniform for the four-time Grand Slam champion. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 As for audiences unfamiliar with the intricacies of Sengoku-era Japan, Kurosawa is untroubled. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026 The intricacies of that Pirandellian parlor game — the fun of figuring out what portion of this film’s moral and narrative faults belong to each of its three writer/directors — is only so much fun because of how deliberately Almodóvar is willing to assume some of the blame for himself. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2026 But for many experts steeped in the intricacies of missing persons cases, the Guthrie investigation also has raised questions about whether the general public has been conditioned to hold outsized and unrealistic expectations of law enforcement’s capabilities. Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricacy

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intricacy was in 1602

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Cite this Entry

“Intricacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricacy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

intricacy

noun
in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of the plot

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