intricate
Full of complexity
Intricate describes something with many interconnected parts or fine details that make it complex and difficult to follow or understand.
An intricate pattern has elaborate ornamentation.
An intricate plot has many interwoven threads.
The word suggests complexity that rewards careful attention rather than confusion that frustrates: the intricate workings of a watch, an intricate web of relationships.
Showing extreme attention to detail
- preciseExactly correct, no error
- nuancedHaving fine distinctions
- refinedPurified or cultured
- subtleNot immediately obvious
fine · granular · thorough · exacting · fastidious · scrupulous · painstaking · minute
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
- arabesqueFlowing ornamental design
- laceworkOrnamental open-weave fabric
tracery · gilded · embellished · baroque · rococo · decorative · adorned · embroidered
Puzzle of passages
- labyrinthIntricate passage network
- windingCurving repeatedly, sinuous
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
- corridorsEnclosed building passages
passages · twists · turns · meandering · serpentine · tangled · knotted · circuitous
Decorative woven wall cloth
- textileMaterial from woven fibers
- braidingInterlacing three strands
- macrameOrnamental cord knotting
- basketryArt of weaving containers
knotwork · interlace · lattice · mesh · weave · netting · crochet · lacework
Detailed technical drawing
- architectureBuilding design discipline
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- schematicsTechnical drawings of systems
- geometryScience of spatial relationships
symmetry · proportion · motif · composition · tessellation · mandala · fractals · arabesques
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- riddlePuzzling question to solve
cryptogram · logic puzzle · maze · escape room · tangram · challenge · problem-solving · solution
Spring-driven gear system
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
- machineryCollective mechanical equipment
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
cogs · escapement · automaton · watchmaking · movement · caliber · mainspring · complications
meticulous
Showing extreme attention to detail
subtle · fine · granular · thorough · exacting · fastidious · scrupulous · painstaking · minute · microscopic
filigree
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
- arabesqueFlowing ornamental design
lacework · tracery · gilded · embellished · baroque · rococo · decorative · adorned · embroidered · brocade
maze
Puzzle of passages
- labyrinthIntricate passage network
- windingCurving repeatedly, sinuous
- convolutedExcessively complex or twisted
corridors · passages · twists · turns · meandering · serpentine · tangled · knotted · circuitous · branching
tapestry
Decorative woven wall cloth
basketry · knotwork · interlace · lattice · mesh · weave · netting · crochet · lacework · plait
blueprint
Detailed technical drawing
- architectureBuilding design discipline
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- schematicsTechnical drawings of systems
geometry · symmetry · proportion · motif · composition · tessellation · mandala · fractals · arabesques · engineering
jigsaw
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
riddle · cryptogram · logic puzzle · maze · escape room · tangram · challenge · problem-solving · solution · cipher
clockwork
Spring-driven gear system
- gearsToothed rotating machine parts
- mechanismMeans by which something operates
- machineryCollective mechanical equipment
springs · cogs · escapement · automaton · watchmaking · movement · caliber · mainspring · complications · horology
- difficultyeasy, hard, medium, difficult, moderate
- art adjectivesbold, bright, colorful, dark, delicate
- craftsmanshiphandcrafted, craft, handiwork, stitching, welding
- Mazesmaze, labyrinth, corn maze, hedge maze, ball maze
- ornateornate, elaborate, embellished, decorative, ornamental
- Visual Complexitydetailed, busy, cluttered, chaotic, layered
intricatesimple
Free of complexity
straightforward · uncomplicated · direct · basic · elementary
intricateplain
Basic and unremarkable
unadorned · undecorated · bare · unembellished · stark
intricatestraightforward
Clear and uncomplicated
direct · obvious · clear · transparent · understandable
- intricate designDetailed ornamental composition
- intricate detailComplex small feature
- intricate patternsComplex decorative arrangements
- intricate plotsComplex, interwoven narrative structures
- intricate detailingComplex, fine decorative elements
- intricate movesElaborate, detailed actions