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Showing results for elaborate. Search instead for elaborate/4.
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.

Trump was treated to an elaborate military welcome ceremony, dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower and a two-hour military parade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Geishas, known as geikos in Kyoto, and apprentices called maikos have been donning elaborate costumes and fluttering fans since the Miyako Odori -- or "capital city dance" -- first started in 1872.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite the elaborate entrance, the Reform Party leader did not enter the building and when asked by BBC Sport, venue officials refused to comment on rumours he was denied entry.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

And Barrett was unsatisfied with this, because Wang didn’t really elaborate a theory about it.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

And I could elaborate on this at some length and with, I believe, a fair degree of accuracy.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.