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

• belonging
• chumminess
• closeness
• familiarity
• inseparability
• nearness

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

This is often tied to a fear of intimacy — a subconscious fear of being emotionally vulnerable and dependent on someone else. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Vulnerability is sacred and essential to true intimacy. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025

These passages, among literature’s most poignant and strangely affirming, bridge the gap between the vastness of war and the intimacy of a single death. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

Then, on April 30, Venus enters your intimate eighth house of intimacy and shared resources, pushing you to focus on deep, meaningful connections. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 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