Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Asked how the EU had failed to adhere to the terms of its deal with the US, Trump did not elaborate.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Louis XIV staged lavish hunts at Versailles—which itself had started as a modest hunting lodge—complete with courtesans, orchestras and elaborate carriages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Everyone has that one food item, be it an elaborate meal or a humble snack, that unlocks even the deepest of core memories.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Despite experts warning that trying to save the creature would only cause it more pain, two multi-millionaires then jumped in with an elaborate rescue plan involving inflatable cushions and pontoons.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The glowing pile soars, exploding against the sky like fireworks and then re-forming into a woman with an elaborate headdress.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Vocabulary lists containing elaborate

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 4

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!