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
Relevance
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
1
as in to exaggerate
to add to the interest of by including made-up details
my friend tends to elaborate on his hiking experiences, turning an ordinary walk in the woods into a hair-raising adventure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to develop
to express more fully and in greater detail
the candidate for governor refused to elaborate on how she would balance the state's budget
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elaborate
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
Whether the heist is real or an elaborate marketing play, the response has generated widespread attention — and KitKat appeared ready for it.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The official did not elaborate on what those were but suggested that a reduction in funding for NATO was one of them.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Adjective
There’s no need for elaborate, high-tech designs, only a sensitivity to ventilation, shade, openness, and materials that feel rooted in local life.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
Whether the heist is real or an elaborate marketing play, the response has generated widespread attention — and KitKat appeared ready for it.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Unlike Apollo, which focused on fast flags and footprints in a breakneck race against the Soviet Union, Artemis is striving for a sustainable moon base elaborate enough to satisfy even the most hard-core science fiction fans.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The official did not elaborate on what those were but suggested that a reduction in funding for NATO was one of them.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
-
More smart scales are now including a handlebar to provide detailed insights into fat and muscle distribution across different parts of the body.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The detailed biographies of every correspondent make, in themselves, a whole picture of the cultural and political life of the early twentieth century.—
Hermione Lee,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Give your home a thorough cleaning without ever grabbing a broom with this intuitive robot cleaning vacuum.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some were draped in ivy, others adorned with pink blossoms, but none are forgotten by nature’s touch—each brought to life by the intricate details that transport you into a postcard of the Italian countryside.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Drawing inspiration from the human hand’s intricate design and proprioceptive capabilities, this study aims to enhance the dexterity of robotic hands, particularly in multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) motion and posture perception.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And in South Florida groups have stepped in to support migrants navigating complicated immigration processes, from deportation to self-deportation, often filling gaps left by government systems.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But determining what percentage of the population would stay and fight is complicated.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The market is full of vehicles that blur the line between a traditional e-bike and something closer to a motorcycle, and manufacturers don’t always make the distinction easy to spot.—
Sarah Raza,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to the separate living room and bedroom, a dining area sported a full dinner table, a perfect setting for in-room meals.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 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
Adjective
-
Then set aside time to file electronically, use tax software or meet with a professional if your finances are more complex.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the waste from duplication, the DA has noted that the new unit could threaten complex cases involving coordination with the state attorney general and end up prematurely settling cases that are part of larger investigations.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Her middle name isn’t a very sophisticated one.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Buying artificial or natural flowers that are in season is a great way to create a sophisticated environment for your event.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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