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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.

Twenty-one Asian women perform an elaborate revenge fantasy against the white man who’s dated them all.

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

He did not elaborate, but the White House later denied that he was alluding to nuclear weapons.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Imagine setting up an elaborate chain of dominoes, where each piece must strike the next in perfect sequence to create a satisfying final outcome.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Stuart, unconvinced and suspicious of the elaborate and ridiculous cover story Herold spun for him, reluctantly offered to feed them.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

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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