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

Edickson, Frandy, Orianny and Yerian — out of the classroom, showing us moments of intimacy with their families and friends while also giving us a slice of quotidian life in Cabarete. —Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

The fragrance industry trades in emotion, intimacy and continuity. —Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

With church-like intimacy, the singer critiques Black displacement in New York, Black capitalism, and the death of community in hyper-individualistic American society. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026

Constant proximity is not a measure of intimacy. —Mark Travers, CNBC, 22 Mar. 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