Definition of intactnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intact distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intact are entire, perfect, and whole. While all these words mean "not lacking or faulty in any particular," intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

When might entire be a better fit than intact?

While in some cases nearly identical to intact, entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

In what contexts can perfect take the place of intact?

The words perfect and intact can be used in similar contexts, but perfect implies the soundness and the excellence of every part, element, or quality of a thing frequently as an unattainable or theoretical state.

a perfect set of teeth

When would whole be a good substitute for intact?

The words whole and intact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained.

felt like a whole person again after vacation

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intact Shared by Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency, the pictures show that the rooves of the facilities have collapsed although the walls remain intact. Sarah Dean, NBC news, 12 June 2026 SBTi leaves annual matching intact as a baseline while opening the door to hourly matching. Justin Worland, Time, 12 June 2026 My son, in his early 20s, had found the wallet and returned it with everything intact. Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The town would play a role in the American Revolution and is also where the world's first discovery of a nearly intact dinosaur happened (in 1858). Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Our entire family is devastated by this great loss.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The company has been pursuing eliminating its entire legacy copper landline system across the state to replace it with advanced fiber optic networks.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's important, and that's also the whole vibe of the World Cup.
    Dawn White, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • In the open spaces, people kicked balls around (including my toddler, who blasted a shot past me and knocked over the beer of a Colombia fan who was very, very nice about the whole thing) or found shade under the only tree.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Janet agreed to pay over $8,600 in restitution and complete 150 hours of community service.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • But the call of the stage was so strong that Abdul-Mateen II made a complete career change in his late 20s.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • Dutch find separating goal to regain control With Japan in full control of momentum after the quick answer, the Netherlands parlayed a swing of possession into a winner in the 64th minute.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Sparks were nearly perfect in the first quarter before committing their first turnover with under five minutes to play.
    Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • The presidential suite has ergonomic desks and chairs (perfect for a working vacation) and brown leather details that give a cozy feel, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled, unobstructed views of the city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But for users who want a more comprehensive view of their finances — including investments and long-term goals — Monarch Money offers a compelling feature set that helps justify its cost.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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