intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈin-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce intimacy (audio)
plural intimacies
1
: the state of being intimate : familiarity
2
: something of a personal or private nature

Examples of intimacy in a Sentence

the intimacy of old friends the intimacy of their relationship He felt he achieved a certain intimacy with her. The band liked the intimacy of the nightclub.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All of the intimacy of that and all the majesty and complexity and contradiction and controversy of the U.S. CBS News, 6 July 2025 While daunting, the intimacy of the show also fuels Isbell. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 No matter what changes in generations, no matter the specific difficulties that young people must contend with in the face of technology, war, politics, environmental devastation: nothing will change the heartbreak and fraught intimacy of female friendship in its ups and downs. Literary Hub july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 That all changed when intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey heard the plans. Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intimacy was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

“Intimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimacy. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

intimacy

noun
in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈint-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce intimacy (audio)
plural intimacies
1
: the state of being intimate
2
: something of a personal or private nature
shared little intimacies in their letters

More from Merriam-Webster on intimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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