Definition of intactnext

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 This congressional bill keeps those mostly intact. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026 Costco’s long-term story as a preferred membership retailer remains intact with additional upside ahead. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026 The mantra is to keep the historic site’s unique features as intact as possible, both obvious and more subtle. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 Venezuelan institutions would be left largely intact. Robert Muggah, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • In the 1880s, Belgium’s King Leopold II annexed the entire Congo Basin, more than nine hundred thousand square miles of Central African jungle, highlands, savanna, and forest, Katanga included.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The basket had the entire USC basketball team smiling and feeling the boost of optimism that Arenas brought in his college debut.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • McKenzie and Sebastian's decision to embrace the unexpected made their wedding even better when an opposite reaction to the rain could have ruined the whole celebration.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Much like the 2020-2025 advice, which encouraged making half your grains whole, the new guidelines recommend two to four servings per day of fiber-rich whole grains.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Read on for the complete list of winners and nominees.
    Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • His plans are complete, and permits are moving forward.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The governor is expected to touch on some budget priorities in his speech, which will come Thursday, one day before state financial officials publish his full spending plan on Friday.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • From long-haul flights to full days on your feet, ballerina sneakers deliver.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The formula strikes a perfect balance between sheer polish and treatment.
    Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Not only has the show become a sensation for the uninitiated in the romance genre, but most interestingly to me, it has been lauded as a near perfect example of the genre done right by keen romance lovers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Request a comprehensive inventory of all AI systems currently deployed or under consideration.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Rísquez is the co-founder and director of Monitor de Víctimas, an investigative platform that provides comprehensive data on violence in the country.
    Oriana van Praag, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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