Definition of intricatenext

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 Throughout, there are instances where the filmmakers, in their effort to craft an intricate, humanistic mosaic, leave some compelling threads unexplored in favor of moving the story along. Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026 Hamilton, of course, just directed Bad Bunny’s intricate Super Bowl LX halftime show, which is said to have impressed the BTS seven. Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026 In Jodhpur, a 5-hour car ride away from Jaipur, painter Vijay Raj and his son guided us through the intricate world of Rajasthani miniature painting at Umaid Heritage Art School, a welcoming storefront in the old city. Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026 The intricate yet vast tapestry of her work’s implications emerges from the near contradiction of her perspective and her mode. Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
  • The attacks have, however, complicated peace efforts in the region where mass graves were recently found.
    OPE ADETAYO, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The more complicated the process feels, the more likely people are to give up halfway through.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The attorneys on Thursday referenced a new report from LAist that detailed concerns from a whistleblower about who was in charge of the county’s emergency operation center, or EOC, the night of the fire.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The agency now wants detailed doctor’s notes for every day an employee calls in sick.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, the room hosts complex Lego sets in various states of completion, along with shelves of semi-functional robots and baskets of knitting filled with sweater fragments.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • United Nations Resolution 1701, which brought an end to the war, exposed the complex power reality inside Lebanon.
    Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s something to be said for the persistence of these artists in grinding through and realizing such elaborate historical films in the face of enormous, unforeseen, catastrophic logistical challenges.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
  • In Atlanta’s cocktail bars, elaborate garnishes are taking center stage as much as the glassware and ingredients.
    Caroline Eubanks, AJC.com, 20 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
  • Taylor’s voice, as guileless and elegant as ever, ties together what could have been a random-feeling assemblage of tunes in a silky bow.
    Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The pair, who make up the Penrose Tilbury design firm, set out to reimagine this older structure as an elegant but comfortable home.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But while the packaging and TikTok fame might skew young, the formulas themselves are no joke—Laneige has long focused on sophisticated hydration that leaves skin looking plump, smooth, and healthy.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Sharper tailoring and column dresses marked a move away from last year’s relaxed layering and flowing silhouettes, pointing toward more sophisticated styles and a focus on longevity.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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