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 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.
Is there anyone who’s scrutinized the intricacies of this offense more than him? Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Getting a glimpse of the brilliant scene through JWST, a team at NASA created a 3D scan of the interstellar material that displays its intricacies in tremendous detail. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025 The intricacy of her creation is a source of endless conversation. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 Provisions aimed to prevent benefit windfalls The WEP and GPO rules, and how their intricacies affect individual beneficiaries, are complex. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near intricacy

Cite this Entry

“Intricacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricacy. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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