Synonyms of intricate

intricate

adjective

ˈin-tri-kət 

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

• complicated
• complex
• complicate
• sophisticated
• tangled
• elaborate
• convoluted
• labyrinthine
• baroque
• knotty
• involved
• byzantine
• varied
• difficult
• labyrinthian
• daedal
• involute
• multifaceted
• mixed
• heterogeneous
• composite
• multifarious
• challenging
• compound
• overcomplicated
• tough
• overcomplex
• incomprehensible
• inexplicable
• unintelligible
• multipart
• unfathomable
• multibranched
• impenetrable
• Kafkaesque

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• simple
• plain
• uncomplicated
• simplistic
• simplified
• noncomplex
• uniform
• homogeneous
• noncomplicated
• oversimplified
• unvaried

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

• detailed
• complicated
• elaborate
• complex
• elegant
• sophisticated
• involved
• exquisite
• fancy
• ornate
• magnificent
• extravagant
• splendid
• Byzantine
• showy
• convoluted
• exuberant
• grandiose
• grand
• frilly
• labyrinthine
• flamboyant
• overwrought
• ostentatious
• labyrinthian
• fancified
• involuted
• souped-up
• chichi
• involute
• gimmicked (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• simple
• unsophisticated
• plain
• uncomplicated
• modest
• no-frills
• unfancy
• unadorned
• naked
• bare
• bald
• unvarnished
• undecorated
• plain-vanilla
• plain-Jane

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

Recent Examples of intricate

The ornate dress featured intricate red embroidery depicting the human anatomy and a hand, with red string flowing down from the hips. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026

By keeping the colors light, the otherwise intricate design comes off more understated with the pearl decals delivering dimension. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

Available for pre-order now, shoppers can expect intricate features, poseable elements and vibrant colors that capture each Pokémon’s personality. —ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026

These hypnotic patterns and intricate techniques have long influenced global art. —Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026