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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.

Elaborate costumes, blaring music and vibrant processions took over Nigeria's Lagos Island on Monday as the annual Fanti Carnival hit the streets.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Elaborate mosaics cover the walls, meandering geometric friezes resembling carved lace; “petrified weaving” is how Aldous Huxley described them in his 1934 travelogue, “Beyond the Mexique Bay.”

From New York Times • Dec. 23, 2023

Elaborate animal and cell tests revealed serotonin signalling via 5HT3 receptors on vagal nerve neurons was responsible for this whole chain reaction.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2023

Elaborate dresses have always been popular in Afghanistan for weddings, which even before the Taliban were usually gender-segregated, giving women a chance to dress in their finest in the country’s conservative society.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2023

Elaborate crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Vocabulary lists containing elaborate

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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List 4

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