elaborate 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈla-b(ə-)rət How to pronounce elaborate (audio)
Definition of elaboratenext
1
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail elaborate festivities for the 200th anniversary of the town's founding

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2
as in thorough
including many small descriptive features the elaborate world known as Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created in his richly imagined novels

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3
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated plans for a huge mall that will actually be an elaborate center for sports, entertainment, and shopping

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elaborate

2 of 2

verb

i-ˈla-bə-ˌrāt How to pronounce elaborate (audio)
as in to unfold
to gradually become clearer or more detailed as mankind's understanding of the universe has elaborated

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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 elaborate
Adjective
Invite-only sponsors’ boxes are also getting elaborate upgrades. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 One from the Roman port of Ostia could seat 20, but the elaborate Baths of Caracalla had two adjacent restrooms seating 100 each. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Defense attorney Laura Koenig, an assistant federal public defender, declined to elaborate in response to an Associated Press inquiry. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 The person did not elaborate on the reasons for declaring the two men ineligible. — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
  1. detailed
  2. thorough
  3. intricate
  4. unfold
  5. complicated
  6. full
  7. complicate
  8. evolve
Adjective
  • The Star-Telegram emailed a TCU spokesperson a detailed list of DuBose’s allegations and asked for a response.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The scientists also want to gain a more detailed understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the decagon's clouds, hazes, winds and temperatures.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of detailed
Adjective
  • Medical experts say a thorough screening is critical to preventing deaths.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for a thorough skin exam.
    — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • Footage obtained earlier this week by a CNN team on the ground offered a glimpse inside these intricate networks built to harness Nepal’s rivers and fuel its booming hydropower industry.
    — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This is, to be clear, a massive streamlining of Woolf’s novel, which goes deep into the lives of William, Mary, and Ralph, among whom a series of intricate romantic attachments begin to develop.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of intricate
Verb
  • Cannes Camera d’Or winner Ben’Imana, directed by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, unfolds in the shadow of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, exploring its legacy and the possibility of forgiveness.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The novel explores the challenges of making a life both within and without the arts, and how that unfolds from adolescence into adulthood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfold
Adjective
  • Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • She was steeped in the minutiae of a profoundly complicated culture.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of complicated
Adjective
  • The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who described cooking alongside knitting and crochet as some of her most mindful time, because the activities require her full attention.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Parking at Ventura Harbor is free Monday through Thursday, and $10 for a full-day pass Friday through Sunday and on major holidays.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of full
Adjective
  • The company very deliberately targets large enterprise customers, which have the biggest and most complicate supply chain ecosystems.
    — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Wilcox noted that overlaps between substance use and suicide complicate reduction efforts.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026
Definition of complicate
Verb
  • Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The soft gray-white rattan complements the tailored beige high-density comfort cushions and creates an airy backdrop for your ever-evolving collection of seasonal all-weather pillows and throws.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of evolve

Phrases Containing elaborate

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Cite this Entry

“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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