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 The building features murals, intricate tile work, mosaic and stained glass, marble fixtures and a vaulted lobby, and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Among those buoyed by Leo’s visit were father and son ceramicists Toni and Guillem Cumella, who used thousands of intricate 3D ceramic tiles to adorn the imposing cross atop the tower. Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 10 June 2026 Researchers demonstrated the system’s ability to recognize all 26 letters of American Sign Language, highlighting its precision in capturing intricate finger configurations. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026 The intricate ruffled linen edge on Greenrow’s Cotton Percale Linen Ruffle sheet has a romantic look, however, the frill doesn’t overtly overpower the rest of Condé Nast Traveler commerce director and contributor Madison Flager’s bedscape. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
  • Federal Illegality Complicates What Cannabis Can Do The explanation for cannabis' absence begins with its complicated legal status.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • Claims About Cycle Syncing Improving Productivity This is where the science gets complicated.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The company says detailed specifications and manufacturer pricing will be revealed closer to launch.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • Four ultra-wide-angle cameras equipped with high-dynamic-range lenses continuously monitor its surroundings, while front and rear LiDAR sensors generate detailed three-dimensional maps.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Because the conductive liquid itself is the moving element, there is no need for complex mechanical assemblies or rigid transmission systems.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 June 2026
  • Japan’s complex attitudes towards homosexuality — at the risk of overly simplifying it, the country is more conservative towards queerness than America in some ways, and more accepting in others —bleed into the media that comes from the country.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Nonetheless, the series evolves into an elaborate soap opera over its 39 episodes, with complex scheming characters opposing Utena, her relationship with Anthy serving as the lodestar that guides this tragedy towards its ambiguous conclusion.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
  • While officials in some states have decided against allocating resources to Freedom 250's Great American State Fair, a slew of others are planning elaborate exhibits for the the festival tied to the nation's 250th birthday.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 June 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
  • Attendees marked the historic occasion dressed in traditional barongs — formalwear finely woven from piña, or pineapple fibers — as well as elegant Filipiniana outfits and ternos, the traditional formal gowns instantly recognizable by their structured butterfly sleeves.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Stay at Lucknam Park, an elegant country retreat near Bath.
    Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Those are the moods perfumers are bottling now, but with a more sophisticated finish.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • But, as fate would have it, the rest of the tech industry quickly zoomed past the original AI chatbot interaction model and have focused all of their efforts on agentic AI—which essentially extends AI capabilities into autonomously doing more sophisticated tasks.
    Bob O'Donnell, USA Today, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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