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
Relevance
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
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
From intricate prints to silhouettes that subtly celebrate the curves and contours of a woman's body, Tory Burch's one-piece suits and bikinis have all the hallmark details that make its clothing and accessories so covetable.
—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Unlike procedures on the body where tissue is more forgiving, incisions are more accessible, and the architecture is less intricate, the nose is a complex, multilayered structure of skin, cartilage, and bone packed into a very small space.
—
Victoria Oliva,
Allure,
23 June 2026
From food and clothing to medical equipment and intricate science experiments, these missions are essential for both keeping astronauts safe and healthy on station as well as continuing the progression of science in-orbit.
—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
However, the situation is more intricate.
—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Unlike procedures on the body where tissue is more forgiving, incisions are more accessible, and the architecture is less intricate, the nose is a complex, multilayered structure of skin, cartilage, and bone packed into a very small space.
—
Victoria Oliva,
Allure,
23 June 2026
From food and clothing to medical equipment and intricate science experiments, these missions are essential for both keeping astronauts safe and healthy on station as well as continuing the progression of science in-orbit.
—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
However, the situation is more intricate.
—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
-
But a closer examination paints a more complicated picture.
-
The city also has some of the world’s most complicated rules about air-conditioning installation.
Adjective
-
Attached to it is a giant camera capable of capturing a new, detailed image roughly every 40 seconds, combining speed, sensitivity and an exceptionally wide field of view unmatched by any other ground- or space-based telescope.
-
At Moderna's Science Day last Thursday, Cramer said the company presented a detailed roadmap for the next decade that highlighted its growing cancer pipeline alongside newer vaccine programs beyond its Covid franchise.
Adjective
-
Storms involve complex flows originating over a wide region and evolving in complicated ways.
-
Police say the violence on Sydney’s streets is being orchestrated from abroad – and teenagers are being lured into the complex web of gang warfare with the promise of fast cash.
Adjective
-
This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
-
What negotiations the county was ending was unclear, as Mecklenburg County didn’t elaborate.
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
-
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.
Adjective
-
The result is an elegant estate where guests can have a refined Irish breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails come sunset.
-
Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
Adjective
-
Options trading for SpaceX started last week, allowing investors to place more sophisticated bets on where the stock is headed next, and quickly saw a surge in interest.
-
The crisp white denim is a sophisticated choice for July 4, as well as the rest of summer.
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
