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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elaborate
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
We need not be distracted by more elaborate use cases.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Hines elaborated on how the money from the GoFundMe will be utilized in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Tuesday.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elaborate
Adjective
Expect bells-and-whistles orchestral shows full of the oddball jokes, elaborate choreographies, and technological thrills that have made the Talking Heads frontman’s recent live show the biggest boon of his solo career.
—Verb
Asked to elaborate on the layoff threat, Johnson hinted that police and fire could be affected.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for elaborate
Adjective
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Despite the two-month transition period since his November election, Calvo said he was not allowed to review detailed financial information about the city beyond public records such as the budget.—
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Most of the world's volcanoes that pose a risk to humans already have detailed maps of their interiors, but not Popocatépetl, despite the fact that some 25 million people live within a 62-mile radius and houses, schools, hospitals and five airports could be affected by an eruption.—
Adjective
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Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
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Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Adjective
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Visharukh’s shrine to Khan is just one thread in an intricate tapestry of fandom.—
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Handmade in Japan, Akoni styles often feature titanium, plus proprietary hinges, screws, side shields, and adjustable temples that echo the intricate inner workings of timepieces.—
Verb
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Their characters also had a romantic history and a will-they-won't-they dynamic that unfolded amid the ER's chaos.—
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The Legislature’s tax discussions are unfolding in the shadow of a controversial ballot measure proposal to impose a one-time tax on the state’s billionaires.—
Adjective
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But, the good news is that cleaning shower grout isn't complicated.—
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So there are a lot of complicated emotions and a mixture of emotions happening, as well as gestures.—
Adjective
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The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.—
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From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.—
Adjective
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These are common but complicate long-term planning for federal agencies.—
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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.—
Verb
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The protest comes amid ongoing unrest in Iran, where demonstrations that began over economic grievances have spread nationwide, evolving into a direct challenge to Iran's clerical leadership.—
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Trump’s pressure campaign has included a barrage of personal insults at Powell, evolving into threats to fire the Fed chair.—
Cite this Entry
“Elaborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elaborate. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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