Synonym Chooser

How is the word intact distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intact are entire, perfect, and whole. While all these words mean "not lacking or faulty in any particular," intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

When might entire be a better fit than intact?

While in some cases nearly identical to intact, entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

In what contexts can perfect take the place of intact?

The words perfect and intact can be used in similar contexts, but perfect implies the soundness and the excellence of every part, element, or quality of a thing frequently as an unattainable or theoretical state.

a perfect set of teeth

When would whole be a good substitute for intact?

The words whole and intact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained.

felt like a whole person again after vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intact But with their political and judicial protection networks still intact, any criminal groups that are weakened by the president’s current strategy may simply be replaced by new ones. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 But while the zip code may have changed, the spirit remains intact. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 June 2025 Aaron Kehoe The compressive force presses the fibrin threads together as they're sucked up against the open end of the tube, while the shear force rolls them up into a small, tight, fully intact ball. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 7 June 2025 The baroness stipulated that the cabinet of curiosities remain intact. News Desk, Artforum, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • On Monday, a judge tossed out the entire lawsuit filed by Baldoni that accused Lively and Reynolds of extortion and other claims.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • All the emissions were being spread over not just Tacoma but the entire Pacific Northwest in this plume that was up to a thousand square miles.
    Time, Time, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The hiccup for me this time was the whole medical part.
    Bruna Papandrea, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • That’s a real problem, not just for animation but the whole industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Platforms like LiveRamp's Data Marketplace allow retailers to license their first-party audiences to programmatic buyers without building a complete DSP/SSP stack.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Williams, from Wisconsin, and Heckel, from Southern Cal, make for what could be a devastatingly complete UConn team.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Andres did not play in the first meeting between the schools and did not play a full game in the second meeting.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • Make sure your browser supports WebGL to see the full version.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The world is all about them, and they are constantly focused on creating a perfect image of themselves in front of others.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • This results in chewy little springs perfect for pasta salads, but also a rich ragù.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, the U.S. and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, U.S., and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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