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

The Divine Feminine was a concept album that centered romance, intimacy, and the power of women. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 21 Aug. 2026

On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Schoenbrun similarly shut themselves off from intimacy growing up, although the desire was still there. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Misunderstandings, laughter and moments of fragile intimacy create a cinematic exploration of communication beyond words. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 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