Collocations for "elaborate"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "elaborate" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
elaborate
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- an elaborate [scheme, plan] to
- the [scheme] is getting (too) elaborate
- an elaborate [drawing, painting]
- elaborate [patterns, designs]
- elaborate (party) decorations
- elaborate and [expensive, detailed, complex]
- an elaborate system of [roads, canals, cables]
- is very elaborate-looking
- looks very elaborate
- be more elaborate with your [answer, description, explanation, writing]
- an over-elaborate [answer]
- [should, need to, ought to] be more elaborate
- elaborate on [an idea, the answer, your opinion]
- he didn't elaborate
- could you (please) elaborate (further)?
- would you care to elaborate?
- without elaborating too much on
'elaborate' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
counsel
- counterfeit
- deception
- decoy
- disguise
- experiment
- frame
- hoax
- hobby
- method
- preliminary
- project
- spoof
- swindle
- treaty