intricacies
2 antonyms and opposites of intricacies, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The small, complicated details of something that make it hard to understand or do well.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The small, complicated details of something that make it hard to understand or do well.
“He spent years learning the intricacies of the tax code.”
Opposites
2. noun
Elaborate, finely worked detail in a design or object.
“The intricacies of the carving only show up under raking light.”
Antonyms
How to Use Intricacies
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral to slightly formal. Almost always used in the plural.
Etymology
From Latin intricare, "to entangle", from tricae, meaning trifles or perplexities.
Full origin of intricacies →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between intricacies and complexities?
Complexities suggest a system with many interacting parts and can feel daunting or messy. Intricacies suggest fine, detailed workings that reward close attention. You untangle complexities but you appreciate intricacies.
Can you use intricacy in the singular?
Yes, but it is uncommon. The singular usually names the quality itself, as in "the intricacy of the design", while the plural names the individual details.
Is intricacies a positive or negative word?
It is broadly neutral and often mildly admiring. Calling something intricate implies skilled, detailed work, whereas calling it complicated implies unnecessary difficulty.