intricate

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adjective in·tri·cate \ˈin-tri-kət\

Definition of intricate

1 : having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated intricate machinery an intricate plot
2 : difficult to resolve or analyze

intricately

adverb

intricateness

noun

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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

In some cases, the often intricate creations can even err on the painful side.

— kaleigh fasanella, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Jenner's Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Is Wearing Her Met Gala Balmain Dress," 19 July 2017
An intricate dessert of Cara Cara oranges, meringue batons, and panna cotta proves that even fancy tweezer food can be soul satisfying.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
Art aficionados: Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the intricate designs of Portuguese Azulejo, the artisanal tilework that adorns many Portuguese buildings and walls.

— Daily Intelligencer, "The Best ‘Stopover’ You’ll Ever Build Into Your Travel Plans," 18 July 2017
There is a collection of camels sitting in the sand, ready to ride; a henna artist to adorn arms and hands with intricate designs; and a row of hookahs for post-dinner puffing.

— jenny b. davis, star-telegram, "From shimmering sand dunes to glimmering skyscrapers, everything blings in Dubai," 17 July 2017
Other treasures included an 18th-century German piano, porcelain vases from China and Japan, mirrors and boxes with intricate gold filigree work and ceiling murals depicting Portuguese explorer Vasco De Gama’s journey to India by sea.

— vineeta deepak, The Seattle Times, "Aged Portuguese mansion an oasis of calm in chaotic India," 16 July 2017
But in Washington, six months after Trump assumed office, the reflexive response of the U.S.’s intricate legal system is already kicking in.

— vanityfair.com, "How Donnygate Reveals the True Similarity Between Trump and Putin," 11 July 2017
Several years ago Gupta, who moonlights as a designer of intricate physical puzzles, began a project called GlassBox.

— paul voosen, Science | AAAS, "How AI detectives are cracking open the black box of deep learning," 6 July 2017
From the neck down, the couture was more inviting with its icy-blue and lavender blazers featuring unconventional slits and intricate beaded details that ask for more than a double take.

— molly sj lowe, The Cut, "Armani and Dior Bring Mystery and Travel to the Runway," 5 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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. a complex recipe complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining. complicated legal procedures intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately. an intricate web of deceit involved implies extreme complication and often disorder. a rambling, involved explanation knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable. knotty ethical questions