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

And perhaps the most telling aspect of an SGG narrative is audience complicity, garnered through narrative intimacy. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Themes of money, intimacy or trust come up in a way that feels crystal clear rather than heavy or mysterious. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

But the relational outcome can sometimes look like access rather than intimacy; people might just stay for the comfort of provision, not necessarily for mutual vulnerability. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Add Neptune’s supportive influence from your intimacy and healing sector, and this is a moment to stop pushing through exhaustion and start choosing sustainability. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 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