intricate Definition
in·tri·cate (in′tri kit)
adjective
- hard to follow or understand because full of puzzling parts, details, or relationships an intricate problem
- full of elaborate detail an intricate filigree
Etymology: L intricatus, pp. of intricare, to entangle, perplex, embarrass < in-, in + tricae, vexations: see trick
intricate Related Forms
in′·tri·cately adverb
in′·tri·cate·ness noun
intricate Synonyms
intricate
modif.
intricate Usage Examples
Infinitive complement
produce: DAB radio is much more intricate to produce and receive.
Modifies a noun
- carving: These magnificent and intricate carvings depict many of the Bible stories and scenes from the life of Christ.
- maze: The plot leads the viewer through the intricate maze of the circumstances that lead to a major food poisoning outbreak.
- embroidery: Its non-slip top is decorated with intricate floral lace embroidery.
- interplay: Mark has led projects and change management initiatives involving the intricate interplay of process, people and systems.
- mosaic: They capture sunshine like lanterns composed of the most intricate glass mosaic.
- valance: A rectangular flat-roofed canopy extended from the building, over the platform, and demonstrated an intricate pointed valance ( see Plumstead ).
Modifying Another Word
- amazingly: The amazingly intricate unity seems to arise from nowhere.
- incredibly: Yet, incredibly intricate work was turned out, even darning and hem stitching was of a very high standard.
- beautifully: Jenny makes these beautifully intricate wall panels out of clay.
- extremely: In fact, an extremely intricate CGI model of the Gemini 12 was built by Paul McGuinness in Alias Sketch.
- fairly: Dr. Rubinstein takes the viewer through a range of coin sleights from basic palms to fairly intricate changes.
- highly: The signs range from the very simple to the highly intricate.
Used with adjective complement
- become: The natural progression was for them to become intricate.
- grow: I was expected to participate, to contribute, to comment, to help in the development of stories which grow ever more intricate.
- sound: He's evolved for this EP and the flow patterns sound more intricate than ever.
- look: This all looks somewhat intricate, best to keep ViewProducers in app scope for now.
- see: Built on the foundations of an Inca city, you can still see intricate Inca masonry and buildings as you walk through the town.
- have: The broken shaft shown on the right has intricate carved knotwork.
Browse dictionary entries near intricate

