Intertwine: meaning, definitions and examples

When elements are closely connected or woven together for a significant cause or purpose.

• Their destinies began to intertwine in unexpected ways.
• The branches of the trees intertwined, forming a dense canopy.

When two or more things are linked together by crossing them over and under each other, often in an organized pattern.

• She interlaced her fingers nervously.
• The fabric was interlaced with golden threads.

Combining different elements together, often in a complex or intricate way, used both literally and figuratively.

• The author managed to interweave various storylines quite skillfully.
• The artist interweaved different textures to create a unique piece.

Describing something being twisted together, often used in a more poetic or romantic sense.

• The vines entwined around the old fence.
• Their fingers entwined as they walked through the park.

Suggests a more complex or tighter twisting together, often implying difficulty to separate.

• The cables had become intertwined and intertwisted.
• Their lives were so interwoven and intertwisted, it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.

Used when describing things that are closely linked or twisted together in a way that forms a complex whole. Often used in a poetic or metaphorical sense.

• Their lives began to intertwine as they spent more time together
• The branches of the trees intertwined to form a natural archway

Suitable for describing the act of joining or linking things, often referring to relationships, networks, systems, or devices.

• We need to connect these pipes to complete the plumbing system
• She wants to connect with old friends at the reunion

Used to describe something being twisted up in a complicated or troublesome way. Generally has a negative connotation of being involved in a complicated situation or mess.

• The fishing line got entangled in the seaweed
• They found themselves entangled in a legal dispute

Often used similarly to 'intertwine', describing things that twist around each other, but can also emphasize a more permanent or intentional joining.

• The vine entwined itself around the fence post
• Their destinies seemed to be entwined from the moment they met

Used to describe elements that are linked or connected in a mutual or reciprocal manner, often in technical, systematic, or network contexts.

• The network allows all the computers to interconnect
• Different departments need to interconnect to improve efficiency