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

see also:

intimacy coordinator

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

Ellen displays intimacy with Lara in front of Ruby; Lara withholds and then offers attention; Ruby watches with envy, desire, and the alertness of a guest who cannot tell whether she is being welcomed or appraised. — Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Their scripts take on identity, intimacy, masculinity, belonging and personal freedom through love stories, thrillers, horror and dramedies that blend genres. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

What is revealed is Parks’ intimacy with his subjects, from Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X to fashion doyennes Bergman and Vanderbilt, a longtime confidant whom he was often photographed with on New York’s social scene. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Life goes on, in all its quirks and intimacies and frivolities, no matter what horrors might lurk on the horizon. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intimacy

• intimacy coordinator

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