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 Known as the county's Mosaic Capital, the rustic city's streets are adorned in intricate art, with eight of its Byzantine-era churches designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 According to Niccol, the company aims to refresh over 1,000 locations to incorporate more texture, warmth, and intricate design elements. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025 The trial would have been complex, with witnesses going into intricate detail about the science of fire behavior, electricity generation and telecommunications equipment. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025 Rozeboom, though, knows the defense, and that’s likely to be coveted by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who has a relatively intricate system. Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate
Adjective
  • The rust mantra is wisely chanted when searching for a Karmann Ghia, and restoring one is as complicated as restoring any Porsche 356 from the period.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But the reality is more complicated.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Its preservation allows for a more detailed reconstruction of ceremonial life than is usually possible with megalithic monuments.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • There, twice a month, the Michigan Rocky Horror Preservation Society holds court, its members arrayed in corsets, feather boas, ripped jeans and lovingly detailed costumes that evoke their favorite movie's main characters.
    Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The political resonance of his project arises not from an explicit statement of values but from a tender demonstration of complex, undeniable humanity.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The fossil chemicals in question are a special types of steranes, which are the geologically stable form of sterols, like cholesterol, that are found in the cell membranes of complex organisms.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a chilling case of deception and domestic violence, what appeared to be months of stalking by an ex-boyfriend turned out to be an elaborate scheme orchestrated by a Colorado woman's own husband, culminating in her murder just days before Christmas.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The photo–which is from 1987, according to the cookbook author–shows Bertinelli, 65, in a blue velvet and glitzy leotard, long white gloves, sheer tights and an elaborate headpiece with more sparkles and feathers.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 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
  • Her blonde hair was parted at the side and tucked low in an elegant bun in the back.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The elegant car, original down to the paint, is a legacy that will be passed on to her daughter.
    Laura Lane, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fabiana Filippi The intellectually sophisticated references behind Fabiana Filippi’s spring 2026 collection hinged on work of master photographers Vivian Maier, Arne Svenson and Luigi Ghirri, perfectly shown in the ultra-refined, textured daywear.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There were also more relaxed but sophisticated looks, such as the tunics and coats with mandarin collars.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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