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
The inverse movement layout, which has been an iconic part of the Pano line, makes the intricate mechanics a central feature of the watch’s face.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
To try to debunk that conspiracy, which appears to be picking up traction again, election offices have introduced intricate tracking devices and protocols, such as GPS trackers and 24-hour video livestreams of drop boxes and the election tabulating process.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 27 Oct. 2024
Today, stained glass can feature a variety of images and patterns, ranging from intricate patterns to simplistic color blocks.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024
Gomez wore an intricate silver necklace and a high ponytail with the front pieces pulled out to accentuate the bold look.
—Chiara Kim, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intricate 
Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
To try to debunk that conspiracy, which appears to be picking up traction again, election offices have introduced intricate tracking devices and protocols, such as GPS trackers and 24-hour video livestreams of drop boxes and the election tabulating process.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 27 Oct. 2024
Today, stained glass can feature a variety of images and patterns, ranging from intricate patterns to simplistic color blocks.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024
Gomez wore an intricate silver necklace and a high ponytail with the front pieces pulled out to accentuate the bold look.
—Chiara Kim, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intricate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intricate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intricate
Cite this Entry
“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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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