in·ti·mate
ˈin-tə-mət 
1
a
: marked by a warm friendship developing through long association
intimate friends
b
: suggesting informal warmth or privacy
intimate clubs
c
: engaged in, involving, or marked by sex or sexual relations
It must have been a shock for the author to realize—somewhere between contract and completed manuscript—that while Ms. Brickman was intimate with dozens of mobsters, she was close to none of them.—
Amy Pagnozzi
Amy PagnozziThe father of three children by three women doesn't have a girlfriend and says he hasn't been intimate with anyone in two months.—Michael Silver
Michael Silver2
: of a very personal or private nature
intimate secrets
3
: marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
intimate knowledge of the law
intimately
adverb
intimateness
noun
in·ti·mate
ˈin-tə-mət
: a very close friend or confidant : an intimate friend
in·ti·mate
ˈin-tə-ˌmāt
intimated; intimating
1
: to communicate delicately and indirectly : hint
2
: to make known especially publicly or formally : announce
intimater
noun
Synonyms
Examples of intimate in a Sentence
Adjective
The dining room is plush and intimate, set off by some of the most extravagant floral arrangements in the city.
—Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2009
When a little-known writer undertakes a manifesto—a statement, after all, of sober purpose and principle—it is likely also to be a cri de coeur, and its reasoned argument will derive from the intimate wounds of autobiography.
—Cynthia Ozick, Harper's, April 2007
The company would sit around after dinner in the lavishly plain living room or wander out to the pool for more intimate conversation …
—Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
They remained intimate friends throughout their lives.
They are in an intimate and committed relationship.
Noun
Musicians … tend not, as writers do, to write hundreds of letters sharing with intimates what is going on in their hearts or heads.
—August Kleinzahler, New York Times Book Review, 18 Oct. 2009
She might not mind his assistance, and he was hungering for the company of an intimate to whom he could give and from whom he could receive, and who better in all the world than Nancy?
—Philip Roth, Everyman, 2006
So this is a biography rich in information, written in a humble and tasteful way by an intimate whose aim is to put a lot of material at the reader's disposal …
—Martha C. Nussbaum, New Republic, 31 Dec. 2001 & 7 Jan. 2002
His coworkers knew him as “Robert,” but his intimates called him “Robbie.”
usually quite aloof in public, he's actually quite relaxed with his intimates
Verb
Is he really—as his advisers keep intimating to Western journalists—a serious reformer waiting to emerge from the closet?
—Murray Scot Tanner, Newsweek, 6 May 2002
The dome tops look like pieces of the older ridged plains, intimating that the domes formed when the plains were pushed upward from below.
—Robert T. Pappalardo et al., Scientific American, October 1999
He bounded on stage wearing a polo T-shirt and trousers whose sleekness intimated a large American Express bill.
—Caroline Sullivan, Times (London), 15 Oct. 1992
trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew
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Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2009
When a little-known writer undertakes a manifesto—a statement, after all, of sober purpose and principle—it is likely also to be a cri de coeur, and its reasoned argument will derive from the intimate wounds of autobiography.
—Cynthia Ozick, Harper's, April 2007
The company would sit around after dinner in the lavishly plain living room or wander out to the pool for more intimate conversation …
—Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
They remained intimate friends throughout their lives.
They are in an intimate and committed relationship.
Noun
Musicians … tend not, as writers do, to write hundreds of letters sharing with intimates what is going on in their hearts or heads.
—August Kleinzahler, New York Times Book Review, 18 Oct. 2009
She might not mind his assistance, and he was hungering for the company of an intimate to whom he could give and from whom he could receive, and who better in all the world than Nancy?
—Philip Roth, Everyman, 2006
So this is a biography rich in information, written in a humble and tasteful way by an intimate whose aim is to put a lot of material at the reader's disposal …
—Martha C. Nussbaum, New Republic, 31 Dec. 2001 & 7 Jan. 2002
His coworkers knew him as “Robert,” but his intimates called him “Robbie.”
usually quite aloof in public, he's actually quite relaxed with his intimates
Verb
Is he really—as his advisers keep intimating to Western journalists—a serious reformer waiting to emerge from the closet?
—Murray Scot Tanner, Newsweek, 6 May 2002
The dome tops look like pieces of the older ridged plains, intimating that the domes formed when the plains were pushed upward from below.
—Robert T. Pappalardo et al., Scientific American, October 1999
He bounded on stage wearing a polo T-shirt and trousers whose sleekness intimated a large American Express bill.
—Caroline Sullivan, Times (London), 15 Oct. 1992
trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew
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Recent Examples on the WebAlexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Heated yet subtle and restrained, the piece’s 10 sections on a Latin text, lasting about 20 minutes in all, chart an intimate drama whose moments of grandeur are all the more effective given the overall modesty.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023
The latest ventures of young Singaporeans—dreamy restaurants, thoughtful tours, intimate home-dining experiences—reveal surprising sides of the city.
—Audrey Phoon, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2023
On an autumnal morning in London, Vogue Club invited its members, alongside British Vogue editors and friends of Vogue, to the Victoria & Albert Museum for an intimate breakfast and private viewing of Coco Chanel.
—Concetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2023
At the rear is the Library Lounge, a smaller, more intimate space designed for solitude, and serves as the buffer with rows of seats behind.
—Rachel Dube, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023
Almost half of those victims were killed by a friend, family member or intimate partner, the HRC report states.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2023
The Rio Theatre in Midtown, housed in a converted movie theater, is an intimate venue that draws a range of acts, including Patti Smith, Little Feat and indie legends like Bill Callahan and Built to Spill.
—Lauren Sloss, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
Hamilton says that the bikini wax only removes hair along the bikini line, shaping it or removing some hair to create a neater appearance outside of the more intimate parts.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2023
Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 17 Oct. 2023
Her collaboration with Engelbert and Swarovski is an eye-catching collection of sparkly jewelry and body chains made from silver and chunky crystals, as well as Skims’s signature form-fitting dresses, intimates and bodysuits all encrusted in crystals (naturally).
—Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023
If Spanx’s clothing or intimates have yet to find a way into your drawers, the brand’s latest sale is the perfect time to add them.
—Alex Warner, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2023
This year also marked the debut of Victoria's Secret and PINK's first-ever adaptive intimates.
—Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023
Cami Téllez, cofounder and CEO of Parade, will not remain at the company after an acquisition by intimates brand Ariela & Associates.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2023
Ganni regularly opens its Copenhagen headquarters to a rotating list of collaborators from outerwear (Icelandic brand 66°NORTH) to underwear (direct to consumer intimates darling Parade).
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Aug. 2023
Not all of the Halls’ intimates are onboard with Ted’s supposedly altruistic betrayal.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2023
On July 14, Rihanna—who is currently pregnant with her second child—shared a flirty new campaign video for her lingerie label's new line of sheer intimates.
—Glamour, 15 July 2023
Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2023
If your exercise or intimates drawers are in need of a refresh, there are plenty of deals to take advantage of, including performance leggings from Alo Yoga and Calvin Klein sports bras.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2023
His regard for his subjects is reflected in their unstudied poses, the smiles intimating camaraderie.
—Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023
If your exercise or intimates drawers are in need of a refresh, there are plenty of deals to take advantage of, including Calvin Klein undergarments and bike shorts.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2023
Whatever the veracity of these stories, the fascination with possession and exorcism remains a staple of American popular culture in film, television, and literature, perhaps a means of intimating the divine—even in its diabolical manifestations—especially within an era that is so disenchanted.
—TIME, 28 Oct. 2023
Advertisement Basket Zaragoza’s general manager, Jose Artigas, wrote in an email to The Times that the 7-foot-3 Mara remained under contract with the team, intimating that he should not be allowed to play elsewhere.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
In 2019, Masterson's accusers filed another lawsuit claiming that they were stalked and intimated after their initial action two years prior.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023
Kelly would not name a starting quarterback for the Bruins’ game against San Diego State (2-0) on Saturday afternoon at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego or divulge his rotation other than to intimate that Garbers, Moore and Collin Schlee would all play against the Aztecs.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023
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Adjective
White Lotus costars Meghann Fahy and Leo Woodall confirmed swirling romance rumors on an intimate walk together, and Formula 1 fans Paris Hilton, Nina Dobrev and Shaun White attended the racing Grand Prix in Las Vegas.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023
Heated yet subtle and restrained, the piece’s 10 sections on a Latin text, lasting about 20 minutes in all, chart an intimate drama whose moments of grandeur are all the more effective given the overall modesty.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023
The latest ventures of young Singaporeans—dreamy restaurants, thoughtful tours, intimate home-dining experiences—reveal surprising sides of the city.
—Audrey Phoon, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2023
On an autumnal morning in London, Vogue Club invited its members, alongside British Vogue editors and friends of Vogue, to the Victoria & Albert Museum for an intimate breakfast and private viewing of Coco Chanel.
—Concetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2023
At the rear is the Library Lounge, a smaller, more intimate space designed for solitude, and serves as the buffer with rows of seats behind.
—Rachel Dube, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023
Almost half of those victims were killed by a friend, family member or intimate partner, the HRC report states.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2023
The Rio Theatre in Midtown, housed in a converted movie theater, is an intimate venue that draws a range of acts, including Patti Smith, Little Feat and indie legends like Bill Callahan and Built to Spill.
—Lauren Sloss, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
Hamilton says that the bikini wax only removes hair along the bikini line, shaping it or removing some hair to create a neater appearance outside of the more intimate parts.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2023
Noun
This collection includes intimates that are the brand’s best-sellers that are available in adjustable and disabled-friendly features.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 17 Oct. 2023
Her collaboration with Engelbert and Swarovski is an eye-catching collection of sparkly jewelry and body chains made from silver and chunky crystals, as well as Skims’s signature form-fitting dresses, intimates and bodysuits all encrusted in crystals (naturally).
—Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023
If Spanx’s clothing or intimates have yet to find a way into your drawers, the brand’s latest sale is the perfect time to add them.
—Alex Warner, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2023
This year also marked the debut of Victoria's Secret and PINK's first-ever adaptive intimates.
—Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023
Cami Téllez, cofounder and CEO of Parade, will not remain at the company after an acquisition by intimates brand Ariela & Associates.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2023
Ganni regularly opens its Copenhagen headquarters to a rotating list of collaborators from outerwear (Icelandic brand 66°NORTH) to underwear (direct to consumer intimates darling Parade).
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Aug. 2023
Not all of the Halls’ intimates are onboard with Ted’s supposedly altruistic betrayal.
—Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2023
On July 14, Rihanna—who is currently pregnant with her second child—shared a flirty new campaign video for her lingerie label's new line of sheer intimates.
—Glamour, 15 July 2023
Verb
The Israeli military will likely need a few more weeks to finish its high-intensity ground operations in north Gaza, several officials intimated.
—Neri Zilber, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2023
If your exercise or intimates drawers are in need of a refresh, there are plenty of deals to take advantage of, including performance leggings from Alo Yoga and Calvin Klein sports bras.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2023
His regard for his subjects is reflected in their unstudied poses, the smiles intimating camaraderie.
—Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023
If your exercise or intimates drawers are in need of a refresh, there are plenty of deals to take advantage of, including Calvin Klein undergarments and bike shorts.
—Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2023
Whatever the veracity of these stories, the fascination with possession and exorcism remains a staple of American popular culture in film, television, and literature, perhaps a means of intimating the divine—even in its diabolical manifestations—especially within an era that is so disenchanted.
—TIME, 28 Oct. 2023
Advertisement Basket Zaragoza’s general manager, Jose Artigas, wrote in an email to The Times that the 7-foot-3 Mara remained under contract with the team, intimating that he should not be allowed to play elsewhere.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
In 2019, Masterson's accusers filed another lawsuit claiming that they were stalked and intimated after their initial action two years prior.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023
Kelly would not name a starting quarterback for the Bruins’ game against San Diego State (2-0) on Saturday afternoon at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego or divulge his rotation other than to intimate that Garbers, Moore and Collin Schlee would all play against the Aztecs.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intimate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
alteration of obsolete intime, from Latin intimus — see intimate entry 3
Verb
Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare to put in, announce, from Latin intimus innermost, superlative of Old Latin *interus inward — more at interior
Phrases Containing intimate
Articles Related to intimate
Dictionary Entries Near intimate
Cite this Entry
“Intimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimate. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
intimate
1 of 3 verb
in·ti·mate
ˈint-ə-ˌmāt
intimated; intimating
1
2
: to communicate indirectly : hint
intimater
noun
intimate
2 of 3 adjective
in·ti·mate
ˈint-ə-mət
1
: belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
her intimate reflections
2
: marked by very close association or contact
an intimate familiarity with the rules
3
a
: marked by a warm friendship developing through long association
intimate friends
b
: suggesting informal warmth or privacy
intimate clubs
4
: of a very personal or private nature
intimate secrets
intimately
adverb
intimateness
noun
intimate
3 of 3 noun
in·ti·mate
ˈint-ə-mət
: an intimate friend : confidant
More from Merriam-Webster on intimate
Nglish: Translation of intimate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of intimate for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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