intricate

adjective in·tri·cate \ ˈin-tri-kət \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 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

See intricate defined for kids

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

Scrolling through his Instagram page, one can see how the attention to detail in the making of the jackets is echoed in some of Glasser’s intricate tattoo designs.

— refinery29.com, "How Brutal Cult Leader Tony Alamo Amassed A Fortune With Bedazzled Denim Jackets," 29 June 2018
Back in April, Servais was teasing Diaz about the intricate designs shaved into the side of his head.

— ryan divish, The Seattle Times, "Even with a nine-day break between saves, Edwin Diaz is still on pace for more than 50 saves and new haircut for Mariners manager Scott Servais," 26 June 2018
On the neighborhood side, pedestrians can view more intricate designs at a slower pace.

— zahra ahmad, azcentral, "Loop 101 expansion threatens gargantuan lizards decorating the Scottsdale freeway," 25 June 2018
Edges with the most intricate designs are requested for this day.

— danielle young, The Root, "14 Black Holidays We Wish Were Real That Are Not Juneteenth, Kwanzaa or MLK Day," 19 June 2018
Macron reportedly ordered a 1,200-piece set of china from Sèvres Manufacturing, a porcelain factory that creates intricate designs and has been the go-to company for French leaders since the 18th century, according to the New York Times.

— ciara nugent, Time, "Emmanuel Macron Ordered a Really Fancy Set of China and People Are Angry," 15 June 2018
The intricate design is the first of its kind in the UK as no other stadium has two pitches inside the same bowl, and its official opening later this year will ensure Tottenham's will no longer have to call Wembley home.

— SI.com, "Tottenham Hail Successful Tests on UK's First Retractable Football Pitch at New Stadium," 24 May 2018
The more intricate the design, the higher the price.

— Southern Living, "You Won't Believe How Much The Greeting Card Industry Is Worth," 9 May 2018
Two Thai artists, who go by the name Sisidea, drew a particularly intricate (and adorable) cartoon to represent the various parties involved in the mission.

— rebecca tan, Washington Post, "‘Hooyah, Hooyah, Hooyah’: Jubilation at Thai cave rescue spreads across the world," 10 July 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.