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

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

No adaptation could possibly capture the full scope and intricacy of Nolan’s source material, the ancient Greek epic poem by the enigmatic figure called Homer. — Spencer A. Klavan, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Whereas investment bankers tend to secure financing and bring on limited partners, lawyers navigate the intricacies of a league, organization or company’s rules and restrictions, draft agreements and typically lead deals to the finish line. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026

In the years since, the former redevelopment agency worked to come up with a project scope, but ran into various obstacles given the intricacies of the corridor and the various stakeholders, Bibler said. — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 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