intricate

American  

[in-tri-kit] / ˈɪn trɪ kɪt /

adjective

1. having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved.

   an intricate maze.

   Synonyms:

   labyrinthine, tangled, knotty

2. complex; complicated; hard to understand, work, or make.

   an intricate machine.

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intricate British  

/ ˈɪntrɪkɪt /

adjective

1. difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling

2. entangled or involved

   intricate patterns

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Other Word Forms

• intricacy noun
• intricately adverb
• intricateness noun
• unintricate adjective
• unintricately adverb
• unintricateness noun

Etymology

Origin of intricate

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin intrīcātus “entangled,” past participle of intrīcāre “to entangle,” from in- in- ² + trīc(ae) “perplexities” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Example Sentences

“For the coffee-lover, the intricate ritual of coffee preparation adds fun and pleasure to life,” he argues.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Whereas “Lover Tofu Fruit” wound up laden with session songs Day never liked in the first place, her new record is an intricate compendium she stands by from start to finish.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Someone might be enjoying a video of a dog playing with an unusual toy or a video of a chef making an intricate meal.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Rose Byrne, nominated for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, wore a black custom Dior dress embroidered with an intricate floral pattern.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

She walked all over the mountain but found her tied to the fence behind the corral, tethered with an intricate knot that nobody used except her father, Lott.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• baroque
• complex
• convoluted
• difficult
• labyrinthine
• sophisticated
• tangled
• tortuous
• tricky