intricate

adjective in·tri·cate \ ˈin-tri-kət \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: intricate in a Sentence

Definition of intricate

1 : having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated

intricate machinery

an intricate plot

2 : difficult to resolve or analyze

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intricately

adverb

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intricateness

noun

See intricate defined for English-language learners

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Examples of intricate in a Sentence

Filigree is an ancient technique that creates an intricate, lace-like pattern through the combination of wire swirls and shapes. —Jeanne Rhodes-Moen, Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Fall 2007
Tsunami generation involves intricate interactions among earthquakes, landslides, and "sympathetic" vibrations between the quake and the ocean above it. —Robert Koenig, Science, 17 Aug. 2001
However, other random processes can be quite intricate; for example, the fluctuating prices of stocks are difficult to explain because there are so many variables and combinations of variables that are influencing the prices. —Lloyd Jaisingh, Statistics for the Utterly Confused, 2000
The movie has an intricate plot.
an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly

Recent Examples of intricate from the Web

Both are so intricate and contemplative, both best appreciated when the words wash over you.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Paul Simon hits the Toyota Center on his way home," 4 June 2018
The songs are very intricate, chord-wise, with backgrounds and different arrangements.

— gary graff, Billboard, "Lamont Dozier Taps Todd Rundgren for Lovely New Version of Classic 'In My Lonely Room': Premiere," 1 June 2018
Your graphics are super intricate and dense with references.

— samuel hine, GQ, "How “Come Tees” Went From Kanye Co-Sign to Fashion Cult Craze," 30 May 2018
This limestone monument is incredibly intricate and adorned with ornate carvings, but the real must see is the 360-degree-view from 275 feet up on the observation level.

— emily hines, Indianapolis Star, "See Indianapolis from a new perspective with these 7 postcard-worthy sites," 22 May 2018
The inside of the massive confection—which will be the subject of a Food Network special, Wedding Cake Countdown with Drew and Linda, on Monday, June 25, at 8:30 p.m.—was equally intricate.

— emily strohm, PEOPLE.com, "Drew Scott’s Wedding Cake Contains a Subtle Tribute to His and Linda Phan’s First Home Together," 21 May 2018
The problem is not that the equations are intricate but that the solutions are completely different for even minutely different starting conditions.

— chris lee, Ars Technica, "Random quantum circuit easiest way to beat classical computer," 1 May 2018
The plumbing network underneath Steamboat's vent may be more intricate, with uneven magma activity.

— alex horton, chicagotribune.com, "A Yellowstone geyser has experienced unusual eruptions lately, and scientists can't explain why," 29 Apr. 2018
The plumbing network underneath Steamboat's vent may be more intricate, with uneven magma activity.

— alex horton, Anchorage Daily News, "A Yellowstone geyser has experienced unusual eruptions lately, and scientists can’t explain why," 29 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intricate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of intricate

Middle English, from Latin intricatus, past participle of intricare to entangle, from in- + tricae trifles, complications

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

intricate Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of intricate

complex, complicated, intricate, involved, knotty mean having confusingly interrelated parts. complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.