Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective intricate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intricate are complex, complicated, involved, and knotty. While all these words mean "having confusingly interrelated parts," intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

When could complex be used to replace intricate?

In some situations, the words complex and intricate are roughly equivalent. However, complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

When is complicated a more appropriate choice than intricate?

The words complicated and intricate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

Where would involved be a reasonable alternative to intricate?

The words involved and intricate can be used in similar contexts, but involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

When might knotty be a better fit than intricate?

The synonyms knotty and intricate are sometimes interchangeable, but knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intricate These insects are a nightmare in our homes but are part of nature’s intricate workings outside them. Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 The addition is far more satisfying than just a glass box lurking behind a stone façade, because DXA interlocked old and new into an intricate puzzle. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025 No, there are many intricate layers to keep the whisky safe. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025 The shell was slightly cold from the water, and what caught her attention most was the intricate, almost mesmerizing pattern etched across its surface. Jordan Greene, People.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
  • While these may seem a bit too complicated for children, the kit is specifically designed for budding engineers aged 8 to 14 and includes easy-to-understand, age-appropriate instructions.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • That stark reality, Wood said, was part of what compelled him to write the book Among the lessons Wood discusses are the importance of healthy communication, the role of community support and the insights drawn from his own complicated relationship with his father.
    Essence, Essence, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the attempt to throw a lifeline to the fossil fuel industry could be too little, too late, as detailed in this New Yorker article by Bill McKibben.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
  • Here is a detailed outlook for when the Bills return for training camp in late July.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the social-media ecosystem has become more fragmented and complex during the past several years, with new platforms continually emerging and decaying, there’s been some user attrition.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
  • The espresso martini is arguably delicious, just complex enough and pulls double duty with alcohol and caffeine.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are working rooms with tools for cheese-making, weaving, black- and lock-smithing, along with hunting rifles and plenty of cowbells in all sizes and with elaborate leather collars.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • After the death of a Dalai Lama, senior monks traditionally undertake an elaborate search for his reincarnation, guided by dreams, visions, signs from sacred lakes, and rituals.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The district has tried to be conservative on replacing items as efforts to form a fire territory complicate issues of investment and ownership.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Certainly tariffs are adding to economic uncertainty and complicate decision-making for the Federal Reserve.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Auberge Tokito, which opened in April 2024, is an elegant Ryokan (Japanese-style restaurant with lodging facilities) in Tachikawa City on the outskirts of central Tokyo.
    Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused Edwin Brant Frost IV and his private lending company First Liberty Building & Loan with allegedly presiding over a sophisticated $140 million Ponzi scheme, according to a civil complaint filed on Thursday in federal court in Atlanta.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • Muli’s special smart technology features intelligence residence functions that control the shades, lighting with unique settings for morning and evening, air management and is outfitted with a sophisticated security system.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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