1
as in complicated
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
an intricate hairstyle that requires far too much maintenance to suit my taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intricate
Figure skating is one of the most mesmerizing Olympic sports—both for the breathtaking displays of athleticism and the intricate, elegant outfits.
—
Jenny McCoy, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Just like the trains themselves, these glamorous culinary experiences are reminiscent of the golden era of travel, with gracious table-settings, intricate confections, and a leisurely, unhurried pace.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
In this regard, as in the movie’s intricate tableau-like aesthetic, Manuel’s art is in the tradition of Jacques Tati and Wes Anderson.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Boxed cake mix makes this seemingly intricate dessert a little easier.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Jenny McCoy, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Just like the trains themselves, these glamorous culinary experiences are reminiscent of the golden era of travel, with gracious table-settings, intricate confections, and a leisurely, unhurried pace.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026
In this regard, as in the movie’s intricate tableau-like aesthetic, Manuel’s art is in the tradition of Jacques Tati and Wes Anderson.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Boxed cake mix makes this seemingly intricate dessert a little easier.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
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But looming is the question of whether the federal immigration officers who pulled the triggers in both cases actually broke the law, a question that will come down to complicated issues that are much harder to define than the outrage that prompted calls for accountability.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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It was produced by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York and provides an even more detailed overview of other interviews conducted by the New York State Attorney’s Office and the FBI with victims, witnesses and people associated with Epstein.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
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But district leaders said a recent increase in protests — particularly those that moved off campus — prompted the need for clearer, more detailed protocols.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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More complex filings, such as returns involving small businesses with employees, rental income or the alternative minimum tax, may not be eligible for preparation, according to the program’s website.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Feb. 2026
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The company says the architecture supports predictable handling during complex flight phases.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Days before the Olympic torch was lit at San Siro, Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, which fronts the city’s elaborate Gothic cathedral, was packed with Olympic visitors, many wearing sweatshirts and jackets bearing the flags of their homelands.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Or, perhaps, this was all just an elaborate ruse to clear a roster spot for third-string point guard Pat Spencer.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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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
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And after all, luxury isn’t a price point, but an elegant state of mind.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
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The cap-sleeve, cotton-blend top features an elegant, drapy design in the front.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Insights into Alzheimer’s Interestingly, the molecular tricks spiders use to spin their webs are similar to the sophisticated signaling processes found in human neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Fleming, who was one of the judges this year, said the event’s growth is indicative of the large number of sophisticated bakeries that have opened in metro Denver in the past few years and of the camaraderie that exists between their pastry chefs.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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