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

Such federal funding intricacies could seem far removed from the denizens of a tent city under the highway in San Diego. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026

Those of us who attended a Southern university are aware of the hilarious intricacies of the experience. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

Understanding the dynamics of as many galaxies as possible will help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 29 July 2026

Lester ran it as head coach at Western Michigan (2017-22) but dove into its intricacies as a senior analyst in Green Bay in 2023, working under former college teammate Matt LaFleur. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 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