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 Fishtown-neighborhood restaurant features two kinds of intricate dumplings that have completely enraptured visitors: kanom jeeb nok, filled with cod and radish and shaped like birds; and shaw muang, made of ground chicken and Thai chili, wrapped in a flower.
—Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Apr. 2024
The Quasar stage looks like a cross between an ancient pyramid and a spaceship, featuring a distinct angular design and intricate lights lined up across the entire stage.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intricate 
Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Apr. 2024
The Quasar stage looks like a cross between an ancient pyramid and a spaceship, featuring a distinct angular design and intricate lights lined up across the entire stage.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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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