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

After studying the intricacies of your league’s scoring and roster settings, focus on the draft format, which will dictate your strategy for optimizing your selections. — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

The intricacies of state voter ID laws, student voting advocates point out, can trip up many of the country's least experienced voters. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

The complex intricacies of language manifested on Eimbcke’s first bilingual set. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

As teams continue to host training camp in unusual locations, and as the NFL continues to schedule games over seas, this year’s jock tax has numerous intricacies that affect a player’s after-tax salary income. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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