intricate

adjective in·tri·cate \ ˈin-tri-kət \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

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

The clothes look remarkably cozy, which is a new style for Owens and a departure from the intricate, origami-like designs he’s known for.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "Rick Owens’s Latest Capsule Collection Makes Socks and Sandals Look Good," 4 Apr. 2018
And bowheads' sounds are some of the most intricate of all the creatures in kingdom Animalia, including their much ballyhooed singing cousins, humpback whales.

— cleve r. wootson jr., chicagotribune.com, "Scientists discover a whale species' mating songs are as complex as jazz," 4 Apr. 2018
The pieces shown ranged from intricate sculptures to simple watercolors, but every work shared a common them... the beauty of art as seen uniquely through the eyes of the creator.

— manon l. mirabelli, Courant Community, "Annual High School Arts Festival Held," 4 Apr. 2018
Their sound is palatable yet complex, messy yet intricate all at once — not quite ’90s underground, not totally radio-ready indie, but somewhere in between.

— robert steiner, BostonGlobe.com, "Infectious indie rock from Hop Along, now with violins," 4 Apr. 2018
Local bakers, professional pastry chefs, amateur decorators and people who just love looking at intricate sugar sculptures can spend three days in classes and workshops learning about techniques and tricks for all skill levels.

— lisa deaderick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Top weekend events: San Diego Latino Film Festival, San Diego Cake Show, Malashock Dance anniversary," 16 Mar. 2018
More often than not, the show delivered on the intricate plotting and topped things off with a very satisfying conclusion.

— tim goodman, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Sneaky Pete' Season 2: TV Review," 9 Mar. 2018
Its storied stage productions are some of the largest and most intricate in all the dance music land, helping the event spread its wings and soar to international destinations.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Tomorrowland Announces Winter Festival in France 2019: Watch," 9 Mar. 2018
Scattered throughout the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo this year are seven of their intricate sand sculptures, depicting scenes of both tranquillity and suspenseful action.

— silvia foster-frau, San Antonio Express-News, "Rodeo grounds provide sand sculpture showcase," 16 Feb. 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

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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.

- 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

INTRICATE Defined for English Language Learners

intricate

adjective

Definition of intricate for English Language Learners

: having many parts

INTRICATE Defined for Kids

intricate

adjective in·tri·cate \ ˈin-tri-kət \

Definition of intricate for Students

1 : having many closely combined parts or elements

an intricate design

2 : very difficult to follow or understand

an intricate plot

—

intricately

adverb

Learn More about intricate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intricate Spanish Central: Translation of intricate Nglish: Translation of intricate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intricate for Arabic speakers

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Examples of intricate in a Sentence

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INTRICATE Defined for English Language Learners

intricate

Definition of intricate for English Language Learners

INTRICATE Defined for Kids

intricate

Definition of intricate for Students

intricately

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