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
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
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
Statement earrings: Create a beautiful neckline by wearing large earrings with intricate, delicate designs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Knowledge about one system doesn’t give anyone—including Musk’s DOGE workers, some of whom were not even alive for Y2K—the ability to make intricate changes to another.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
This intricate design acts as a shield that selectively filters out high-frequency stress waves to prevent damaging vibrations from moving back into the shrimp’s arm and body.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
Her intricate creations became cherished gifts for friends and family.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intricate 
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Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Knowledge about one system doesn’t give anyone—including Musk’s DOGE workers, some of whom were not even alive for Y2K—the ability to make intricate changes to another.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
This intricate design acts as a shield that selectively filters out high-frequency stress waves to prevent damaging vibrations from moving back into the shrimp’s arm and body.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
Her intricate creations became cherished gifts for friends and family.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intricate
Dictionary Entries Near intricate
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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