intricacy

noun

in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
Synonyms of intricacynext
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of a plot

Synonyms

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Examples of intricacy in a Sentence

She admired the composition for its beauty and intricacy. I had trouble following all the intricacies in the plot. the intricacies of English grammar
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For years my mother tried to explain the intricacies of roti making to me. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2025 That is certainly good news for all audiences (okay, especially for us aging women) and inquisitive artists like Landecker seem to feel further empowered to honor the intricacies of their own truth as life evolves and takes unexpected turns. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 Adopt An Experience-Centric Strategy Dev teams should adopt an experience-centric strategy, focusing on user experience intricacies to resolve engagement-impacting issues. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Filmed over the course of 7 years, this longitudinal film reveals the intricacies and failures of the asylum system through the intimate journey of one case, serving as a sobering counterpoint to a hyper-politicized and widely misunderstood issue. — Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intricacy

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intricacy was in 1602

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intricacy
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Cite this Entry

“Intricacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricacy. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

intricacy

noun
in·​tri·​ca·​cy ˈin-tri-kə-sē How to pronounce intricacy (audio)
plural intricacies
1
: the quality or state of being intricate
2
: something intricate
the intricacies of the plot

More from Merriam-Webster on intricacy

Nglish: Translation of intricacy for Spanish Speakers

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