intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈin-tə-mə-sē 

plural intimacies

1

: the state of being intimate : familiarity

2

: something of a personal or private nature

Synonyms of intimacy

• familiarity
• belonging
• kinship
• friendship
• love

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

There is an emotional or narrative reason for each encounter, choreographed by intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

But intimacy can’t explain everything. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026

Rozanov and Hollander begin their relationship through their erotic connection, but that allows the rest to develop over time, through flirty texts and increasing intimacy. —Ian Kerner 19 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026

Her transdermal patches target sleep, focus, energy and intimacy, among other needs. —Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈint-ə-mə-sē 

plural intimacies

1

: the state of being intimate

2

: something of a personal or private nature

shared little intimacies in their letters