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

Sentences will always fall short of capturing the true intricacies of our human life, our natural world. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Depending on their size, the intricacy of the pattern and materials, handmade quilts can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Those across the industry aren’t necessarily looking at PNL or at the intricacies of administration. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

That is true even if the leader is public-minded and deeply versed in policy intricacies. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 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