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

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

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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 intricate terrain of the Grand Canyon can invite the type of deadly flood conditions that hit the southern part of the national park over the weekend. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 Her hair was styled in intricate cornrows — Iverson’s signature style during the late 1990s into the 2000s — paired with a red and black headband, reflecting Iverson’s team, the Philadelphia 76ers. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 The skyline was intricate and voluptuous and enchanted and absurd. — Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026 The second look featured a sheer, lace gown with intricate floral details, which Blanco complemented in a black tuxedo and bow tie, also designed by Ralph Lauren. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intricate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intricate

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 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

The approach does not automatically establish the exact cause of every settlement anomaly, and underground conditions can be complex.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of complex

Adjective

Thanks to the studio audience of super fans and elaborate red carpet entrance, this felt less like a reunion and more like an awards show (and occasionally, when the audience cheered or booed for an Islander on stage, like a Jerry Springer set).

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Once a process to curate guest lists for elaborate events, now restaurateurs can fire off a quick direct message to an influencer between kitchen tasks.

— Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of elaborate

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

Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
The Queen size bed feels huge, there's plenty of light, sumptuous extra seating and an overall elegant Georgian style feel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

The Future According to Brad is chunks in shades of butterscotch, caramel, and cinnamon—sophisticated candy colors.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Chemical suppliers are developing increasingly sophisticated products, while machinery, software and process control continue to improve.

— Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of sophisticated

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

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Synonyms of intricate

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