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Showing results for elaborate.
Definitions

elaborate

[ih-lab-er-it, ih-lab-uh-reyt] / ɪˈlæb ər ɪt, ɪˈlæb əˌreɪt /
ADJECTIVE
intricate; involved
Synonyms
STRONG
busy complicated decorated detailed embellished exact fancy garnished imposing labored ornamented overdone overworked perfected refined sophisticated studied
WEAK
careful complex elegant extensive extravagant fussy high-tech highly wrought knotty labyrinthine luxurious many-faceted minute ornate ostentatious painstaking plush posh precise prodigious showy skillful thorough with all the extras with all the options with bells and whistles
Antonyms
STRONG
easy facile natural simple uncultured unrefined unsophisticated
WEAK
general normal plain regular uncomplicated unelaborate uninvolved usual
VERB
make detailed; expand
Synonyms
STRONG
amplify bedeck clarify comment complicate deck decorate develop devise discuss embellish enhance enlarge evolve expatiate explain expound garnish improve interpret ornament particularize polish produce refine specify unfold
WEAK
flesh out work out
Antonyms
STRONG
abridge block compress condense confuse curtail damage decrease deface diminish dirty halt harm hurt lessen lower reduce ruin spoil stop worsen
WEAK
make simple simplify

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rosen: Our journey into Dean’s interior world showed that those feats were undergirded by his need to face his fears through a really elaborate process, with all his planning and then doing it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

When asked by MarketWatch via email if he could elaborate about specific observable metrics, Donnelly said there really aren’t any.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

His Coachella set marked a starker departure from the previous night's headline act, Sabrina Carpenter, whose Hollywood-themed gig included costume changes, choreography and elaborate stage design.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

In her formalwear, Elizabeth favored elaborate embroidery of satin, lace, and silk that incorporated pearls, crystals and sequins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

She freezes and stares at each of us, as if trying to decide whether this is an elaborate practical joke.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Vocabulary lists containing elaborate

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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List 4

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