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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intricate
This year, our favorite stars dazzled in figure-hugging silhouettes, bold hues, and impeccably intricate tailoring.
—
Mecca Pryor, Essence, 11 Jan. 2026
Felton detailed the intricate glove workshop set that was needed because Will’s father is a glover.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Simon Beck works alone, using a compass and a pair of snowshoes to create intricate patterns as large as three soccer fields.
—Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
McCown brought decades of quarterbacking wisdom, and Udinski knew the ins and outs of O’Connell’s intricate system.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Mecca Pryor, Essence, 11 Jan. 2026
Felton detailed the intricate glove workshop set that was needed because Will’s father is a glover.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Simon Beck works alone, using a compass and a pair of snowshoes to create intricate patterns as large as three soccer fields.
—Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
McCown brought decades of quarterbacking wisdom, and Udinski knew the ins and outs of O’Connell’s intricate system.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
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But, the good news is that cleaning shower grout isn't complicated.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
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So there are a lot of complicated emotions and a mixture of emotions happening, as well as gestures.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the two-month transition period since his November election, Calvo said he was not allowed to review detailed financial information about the city beyond public records such as the budget.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Most of the world's volcanoes that pose a risk to humans already have detailed maps of their interiors, but not Popocatépetl, despite the fact that some 25 million people live within a 62-mile radius and houses, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by an eruption.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Most of its joints can rotate fully, giving it flexibility for tight or complex spaces.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cooking elaborate healthy meals is one of those aspirational goals that lives in a world where time is infinite.—
Andrea Strong,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Jan. 2026
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After being laid off from his longtime job at a paper mill, Man-su (Lee Byung Hun) creates an elaborate scheme to murder his potential competitors for another job.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 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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Her hairstylist gave tendril lovers an idea for a whole new way to wear one, tucking Grande's bangs behind a section of hair left loose not from her hairline but a bit farther back—still elegant, but a bit more playful and creative.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 Jan. 2026
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Lopez accessorized with diamond earrings and wore her hair in an elegant updo.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the shoulder pads add structure to the piece, creating a sophisticated look and a balanced shape from top to bottom.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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This merengue caraqueño, defined by its sophisticated 5/8 rhythm, serves as a master class in Venezuelan identity, acting as a cultural anchor that prevents the nation’s heritage from being swallowed by the ongoing crisis.—
Leonor C. Suárez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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