1
Core quality
Twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
Example
The intertwined roots stabilized the riverbank.
intertwined
/ˌɪntəˈtwaɪnd/ · in-tur-TWYNDadjective
Twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
Use intertwined to express this relationship precisely: twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
What intertwined Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Economic and political changes were deeply intertwined.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The novel follows three intertwined narratives.
Use intertwined Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The intertwined roots stabilized the riverbank.
Economic and political changes were deeply intertwined.
The novel follows three intertwined narratives.
Precision Matters
Intertwined overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
intertwined
vs.Means twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
coiled
Means wound or arranged into a series of loops, rings, or spirals.
intertwined
vs.Means twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
consolidated
Means combined into a single, more coherent, stable, or effective whole.
intertwined
vs.Means twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
disparate
Means fundamentally different from one another.
intertwined
vs.Means twisted together physically or connected so closely that the parts strongly affect one another.
peripheral
Means situated at the edge or secondary to the main issue.
Test intertwined in Context
The histories are connected so closely that they cannot be considered independently.
1
Because the two institutions share staff, funding, and records, their histories are closely ___.