intricacy

noun

in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
Synonyms of intricacy
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of a plot

Synonyms of intricacy

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Examples of intricacy in a Sentence

She admired the composition for its beauty and intricacy. I had trouble following all the intricacies in the plot. the intricacies of English grammar
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Such federal funding intricacies could seem far removed from the denizens of a tent city under the highway in San Diego. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026 Those of us who attended a Southern university are aware of the hilarious intricacies of the experience. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Understanding the dynamics of as many galaxies as possible will help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 29 July 2026 Lester ran it as head coach at Western Michigan (2017-22) but dove into its intricacies as a senior analyst in Green Bay in 2023, working under former college teammate Matt LaFleur. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricacy

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intricacy was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

intrepidness
intricacy
intricate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intricacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricacy. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intricacy

noun
in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of the plot

More from Merriam-Webster on intricacy

Nglish: Translation of intricacy for Spanish Speakers

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