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 The fact that the tags were still intact could indicate the soldiers were never recovered or officially accounted for after their deaths, Tempel-Bornett said. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Though book-to-screen adaptations can take liberties, the film’s leading creatives were intent on keeping that loyalty between friends that’s at the heart of the novel intact. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 Her memories of favorite foods has remained intact, like images preserved in a dusty family album. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 As a result, her four-year suspension stemming from a positive test for the steroids boldenone and nandrolone remained intact. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Laguna offers breakfast for the entire resort with the choice of a buffet or dishes à la carte.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Walker has not only provided some explosiveness and physicality in the Chiefs’ running game but has been so good that last week the Colts built their entire defensive game plan around him.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Crab shells, whole and in pieces, turned up all over the school, to be swept away with the dust and fallen leaves and other litter, placed in a trash bag, and carried off behind the buildings to the incinerator.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The whole college football world was watching, waiting to see if USC’s coach could deliver in the most critical of moments.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Many organizations don’t have a complete inventory of where cryptography is being used today.
    — Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Once that happens, the attackers have the token that gives complete control over the Muse account.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There are six bedrooms overall with six full bathrooms and one half bathroom.
    — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Kyiv wants Moscow to accept a Black Sea ceasefire that would allow full deliveries to resume, Zelenskyy said.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The shape skims one’s physique rather than hugging it, creating the kind of movement that made flapper dresses perfect for dancing.
    — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Runway is a perfect metaphor for a kid who is about to take off.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, or DEFA—the world’s first comprehensive, region-wide agreement dedicated to the digital economy.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Among its provisions, the bill requires EPA to develop a comprehensive National Textile Circularity Strategy, as well as conduct a needs assessment to identify the actions, investments, and policy priorities that such strategy will require.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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