Emphasis on complexity:
* Complex: This is a general synonym, but it can be used when discussing both physical and abstract things.
* Elaborate: This word suggests a great amount of detail and effort.
* Complicated: This implies that something is hard to understand or explain.
* Convoluted: This emphasizes a winding, twisting, or tangled nature.
* Labyrinthine: This emphasizes a maze-like quality, making something hard to navigate.
* Sophisticated: This implies a high level of complexity and refinement.
Emphasis on artistry or craftsmanship:
* Ornate: This suggests elaborate decoration and detail.
* Detailed: This focuses on the precision and meticulousness of the work.
* Finely wrought: This emphasizes the skill and care that went into creating something.
* Exquisite: This suggests a high level of beauty and refinement.
Emphasis on difficulty:
* Difficult: This is a straightforward synonym, emphasizing the challenge of understanding or navigating something.
* Puzzling: This implies that something is difficult to solve or understand.
* Mystifying: This suggests that something is mysterious or inexplicable.
Ultimately, the best synonym for "intricate" will depend on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.