1
as in detailed
made or done with great care or with much detail
elaborate festivities for the 200th anniversary of the town's founding
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thorough
including many small descriptive features
the elaborate world known as Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created in his richly imagined novels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intricate
having many parts or aspects that are usually interrelated
plans for a huge mall that will actually be an elaborate center for sports, entertainment, and shopping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elaborate
Alex Ritman, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The tattoo looked like a black and pinkish Skeletor, or an elaborate twig, or that long-neck brother from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
—Kiese Laymon, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
The commission did not elaborate on the reasons for the ban.
—Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Adjective
Sylvie must confront her deepest secrets, use all her wits to survive and uncover why, of all people, she’s been entangled in this elaborate terror plot.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The tattoo looked like a black and pinkish Skeletor, or an elaborate twig, or that long-neck brother from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
—Kiese Laymon, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Quesnel did not elaborate on the nature of the incident or provide specifics as to when Nelson’s leave was first imposed.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
The commission did not elaborate on the reasons for the ban.
—Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
-
But the summary lacks any kind of detailed explanation of which tests were run and under what conditions.—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
-
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) collects detailed data on how insurers handle claims through Market Conduct Annual Statements, but insurance companies have lobbied to stop company-specific data from being released.—
Patrick Wolff,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
The bureau recommends logistics companies take thorough security measures like independently verifying shipment requests and pickups using secondary methods prior to releasing any loads, as well as implementing multi-channel verification for identities.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2026
-
Detectives with the police department investigated the fraud through a thorough review of the chamber’s financial records.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The traditional main residence showcases intricate molding and dark wood flooring throughout, from the grand formal living and dining rooms to the more casual sitting rooms and breakfast nook, with practically all the spaces featuring stately fireplaces.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Overly Intricate Islands Overly intricate kitchen islands are less popular than those that are more simplistic in design.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Though McCoy’s plot is often murkier than the polluted lake around which its events unfold, her voice, highly attuned to sensory experience, shines through.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Choose one direction, adjust as needed, and let clarity guide your next step forward with confidence and steady follow-through while staying flexible in how things unfold.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Alabama faces a complicated situation due to years of litigation over its congressional districts.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
Goldie, born Clifford Price in Walsall, England, in 1965, had a complicated childhood.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Church did not, however, neglect the National Academy, and in 1849—in the midst of bloody riots pitting nativists against immigrants and New York’s working class against the wealthy—he was promoted to full academician status.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Inter Miami was in full control at the start of the match, scoring the first three goals to pull ahead 3-0 in the first half.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Despite differing views on a variety of security issues, the group, like Gilpatric’s, reached a clear consensus: nuclear proliferation by any additional country would diminish U.S. power, complicate strategic planning, and increase the likelihood of nuclear use, accidents, and disasters.—
MARIANO-FLORENTINO CUÉLLAR,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The See’s shop has moved around as the center developed and evolved over the decades; to date, there have been four locations.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
-
The main house has to evolve with the people living in it.—
Amy Kunst,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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