intimate

³in·ti·mate

noun \ˈin-tə-mət\

Definition of INTIMATE

: a very close friend or confidant : an intimate friend

Examples of INTIMATE

1. His coworkers knew him as “Robert,” but his intimates called him “Robbie.”
2. <usually quite aloof in public, he's actually quite relaxed with his intimates>
3. Musicians … tend not, as writers do, to write hundreds of letters sharing with intimates what is going on in their hearts or heads. —August Kleinzahler, New York Times Book Review, 18 Oct. 2009
4. She might not mind his assistance, and he was hungering for the company of an intimate to whom he could give and from whom he could receive, and who better in all the world than Nancy? —Philip Roth, Everyman, 2006
5. So this is a biography rich in information, written in a humble and tasteful way by an intimate whose aim is to put a lot of material at the reader's disposal … —Martha C. Nussbaum, New Republic, 31 Dec. 2001& 7 Jan. 2002

Origin of INTIMATE

(see ²intimate)

First Known Use: 1659

Related to INTIMATE

Synonyms: alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, friend, mate [chiefly British], musketeer, pal

Antonyms: enemy, foe

Related Words: acquaintance; associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport; blood brother, brother, main man, sister; abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate; pen pal; benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher; friendly

Near Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesis

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