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

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.
In his first varsity season, Jordan has learned how to navigate the intricacies required from the position. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 This excursion was informative and entertaining, and focused on the intricacies and dangers of fishing off the coast of Alaska. Aaron Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 The group spent nearly an hour stumbling through the intricacies of federal law before taking votes on certain proposals against the wishes of several federal members. O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026 Some aspects of sustainable seafood are obvious and well-trod, even if the how-to intricacies likely are lost on most consumers. ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 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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Cite this Entry

“Intricacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricacy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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

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