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

as in complicated

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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The Ocarina of Time remake, alternatively, maintains the original game's cartoony aesthetic but layers it with intricate detail. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 Not having a cord makes intricate jobs like this easier for me. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 The intricate, snaking sculpture is comprised of 537 individual elements suspended from the rafters. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2026 Today, that technique is reserved for accessories requiring smaller, intricate details. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate

Adjective

The complicated feelings surrounding Jose’s detainment mirrors the response in Staunton over the deportation of Ayuzo Sandoval during the 2025 holidays, which caught the attention of the governor.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The effects crew also rebuilt Rocky’s transparent xenonite barriers digitally to remove reflections, hide operators and maintain the complicated play of light through the set.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of complicated

Adjective

While Motor Decide helps identify the best motor technology pathway, Motor AI performs the detailed motor design work needed to bring those concepts to life, according to a press release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
During evidence on Wednesday, Riel Karmy-Jones, the prosecution barrister, detailed allegations made by a total of six women, which have precipitated the seven charges against Brand.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of detailed

Adjective

In an era when high-performance vehicles often grow larger, heavier, and more complex with each successive generation, part of the Carrera T’s appeal lies in its restraint.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Advances robot Intelligence Neuron AI is a robot foundation model designed to combine visual perception, touch, sound, language, and memory to help robots perform complex tasks.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of complex

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

Adjective

Signs of this history were on display amid all the adventurous modern art that made Mandell’s home seem like an elegant, circus-like wonderland.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Her elegant primary bedroom boasted a dressing area that was the picture of ’40s-movie-star luxury, complete with plush rugs, dramatic arches, and, of course, plenty of mirrors.

— Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The quick start guide is helpful for getting the microwave ready to use, while a more extensive booklet provides the nitty-gritty details on settings and modes like the sophisticated sensor-reheating functions (more on that later).

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

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“Intricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intricate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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