intricate

adjective

in·​tri·​cate ˈin-tri-kət 

1

: having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated

intricate machinery

an intricate plot

2

: difficult to resolve or analyze

intricately adverb

intricateness noun

Synonyms of intricate

• complicated
• complex
• complicate
• sophisticated

Choose the Right Synonym for intricate

complex, complicated, intricate, involved, knotty mean having confusingly interrelated parts.

complex suggests the unavoidable result of a necessary combining and does not imply a fault or failure.

a complex recipe

complicated applies to what offers great difficulty in understanding, solving, or explaining.

complicated legal procedures

intricate suggests such interlacing of parts as to make it nearly impossible to follow or grasp them separately.

an intricate web of deceit

involved implies extreme complication and often disorder.

a rambling, involved explanation

knotty suggests complication and entanglement that make solution or understanding improbable.

knotty ethical questions

Examples of intricate in a Sentence

Filigree is an ancient technique that creates an intricate, lace-like pattern through the combination of wire swirls and shapes. —Jeanne Rhodes-Moen, Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Fall 2007

Tsunami generation involves intricate interactions among earthquakes, landslides, and "sympathetic" vibrations between the quake and the ocean above it. —Robert Koenig, Science, 17 Aug. 2001

However, other random processes can be quite intricate; for example, the fluctuating prices of stocks are difficult to explain because there are so many variables and combinations of variables that are influencing the prices. —Lloyd Jaisingh, Statistics for the Utterly Confused, 2000

The movie has an intricate plot.

an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly

Recent Examples on the Web

The works on display depict his intricate captivation with the relationship between humankind and nature. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Its graceful design is meant to celebrate the intricate beauty of the natural world. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

Chic manicure techniques like jelly finishes, intricate coffee swirls, and 3D embellishments provide an additional festive flair. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

The spacious drawing room radiates Georgian elegance with soaring ceilings, floor-length sash windows, mural wallpaper, and intricate crown moldings. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin intricatus, past participle of intricare to entangle, from in- + tricae trifles, complications

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intricate

adjective

in·​tri·​cate ˈin-tri-kət 

: having many complexly interrelating parts, elements, or considerations : complicated

an intricate design

difficult to solve the intricate puzzle

intricately adverb

intricateness noun