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 Walter would choose between acquiring a money-losing Lakers channel or keeping intact the two Charter deals that pay the Dodgers and Lakers more than $500 million combined each year. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 Residents in the wing that stayed intact managed to get out but were not allowed to return to their homes, and the rest of the building, determined to be unstable, was demolished 10 days later as a hurricane threatened South Florida. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 This dynamic remains intact in our contemporary legal system. Aron Solomon june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 The Paramount+ Showtime cable network brand, as well as the top-tier programming for the streaming service, are staying intact. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Here is what is new at the 2025 BMW Championship: Because only the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup rankings will participate in the championship, there is no cut, which ensures that the entire field – barring a withdrawal – will stick around until Sunday’s final round.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
  • That’s more than the entire population of Bergen — or more than Trondheim and Stavanger combined.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Summer’s about indulgence, and your partner’s body is the whole damn buffet.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 23 June 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement The strikes have triggered a whole host of reactions among the opposition party, none apparently unified or coordinated.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Arden Way, from Watt to Morse avenues, has been undergoing a complete street rehabilitation since March, which will last to the end of 2025.
    Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
  • To maintain growth, the company expanded the platform into a complete business admin service while also taking a risk on expanding to the U.S.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • For full ticketing details, visit frontiertouring.com/kelseaballerini.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Read your full Aries tarot horoscope for July 2025 for more.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Original price: $29.99 This rustic American flag wreath is perfect for adding a welcoming touch to your front door.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • The Ohio State alum could also be a perfect mentor to 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, the U.S. and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • By The New York Times The overhaul was a far cry from the comprehensive review to evaluate aid programs and realign them with U.S. foreign policy that Mr. Trump promised on his first day in office.
    Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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