1
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
elaborate festivities for the 200th anniversary of the town's founding
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thorough
including many small descriptive features
the elaborate world known as Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created in his richly imagined novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
plans for a huge mall that will actually be an elaborate center for sports, entertainment, and shopping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elaborate
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
We need not be distracted by more elaborate use cases.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Now, over three hours in the sheriff’s office, Ryan elaborated.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Adjective
Expect bells-and-whistles orchestral shows full of the oddball jokes, elaborate choreographies, and technological thrills that have made the Talking Heads frontman’s recent live show the biggest boon of his solo career.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
We need not be distracted by more elaborate use cases.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
From tiny candy chandeliers to elaborate village scenes, no two challenges are the same.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Now, over three hours in the sheriff’s office, Ryan elaborated.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
-
The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men - and pieced together details about at least five others - who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
-
His views of their unconventional garments are painterly and romantic—expressionist evocations rather than detailed transcriptions of the clothes.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
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Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Their characters also had a romantic history and a will-they-won't-they dynamic that unfolded amid the ER's chaos.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But, the good news is that cleaning shower grout isn't complicated.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
So there are a lot of complicated emotions and a mixture of emotions happening, as well as gestures.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But the very nature of the connection between stars and their audience is now evolving, according to the IMDb report.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Trucking employs millions of drivers across the United States, and experts predict that job roles will evolve as fleets adopt autonomous systems.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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