INTRICATE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intricate

adjective

ˈin-tri-kət

Definition of intricate next

as in complicated

having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated an intricate machine that requires some training to use it properly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in detailed

made or done with great care or with much detail an intricate hairstyle that requires far too much maintenance to suit my taste

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Context: The Cowgirl Museum exhibit features more than a dozen adelita dresses, each colorful with intricate designs. —

Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025 The design featured a straight neckline, a low back, fine pleating, and intricate embroidery throughout. —

Shelby Wax, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025 There is another dimension to this already intricate Rubik's Cube of diplomacy: Iran. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025 And in the intricate world of supply chain management, AI workforces can enhance global operations by dynamically adjusting to real-time conditions, managing inventory, forecasting demand, and ensuring efficient distribution. —

Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intricate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate

Adjective

Construed as a pedagogical exercise more than entertainment, the film oﬀers a deep reading into the complicated plurality of the populace that constitutes nations such as Germany.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Their final conflict goes down on Silver’s yacht in the middle of the open water, as Silver ridicules Kreese for his complicated relationship with Johnny.

— Nick Caruso, TVLine, 15 Feb. 2025