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

• 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 means by which that kind of obsession can be cultivated are more potent than ever, and many of today’s most influential public figures foster a sense of accessibility, and intimacy, that would be unthinkable for previous generations. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025

With only 22 residences, the scale already suggested intimacy rather than excess. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The mother-daughter design duo transforms heirloom memory into timeless dress, stitching the intimacy of home into the language of fashion. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 15 Sep. 2025

Some of the most active users of AI are now turning to the bots for things like life advice, therapy, and human intimacy. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025

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