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 With Larsson getting the start for the ailing Powell, the Heat’s core four off the bench remained intact and again made a big impact in a win. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 Yet, so long as the AI story remaining intact, stocks may continue to do well into the end of the year. Sarah Min, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 The base is thin and crisp, the cheese modest, and the vegetables raw and dressed, layered on post-bake so their texture and flavor remain intact. Katie Parla, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025 Taken together, the answers provided a sort of battle-damage assessment of the current moment, the kind undertaken while everyone is still patting themselves to figure out which parts survived the explosion intact. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • This entire swap would have been a disaster of massive proportions had those two not remained chained together.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Hawkins has portrayed Atwater throughout the show’s entire run.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Never got in trouble at all his whole life.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The version of events found primarily in the Iliad and the Odyssey, the Homeric epics that narrate the war and its aftermath, respectively, serves as a template for how many people continue to imagine war, honor, heroism, and a whole set of related issues to this day.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yamamoto is also the first pitcher since Curt Schilling to throw consecutive complete games in a postseason.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps one of the most complete.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All the company had emitted since Gates founded it in 1975 would be gone, the full footprint washed away.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • But even when Carr smashes a model boat to smithereens after a professional rejection or Allura imagines herself going full Lemonade on Chase’s sidepiece, their actions feel divorced from any larger context.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Art directors Jason Kirschner and Kait Taylor took advantage of that and then some, designing a period-perfect art deco set completely grayscaled.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Cozy up in the Treasure & Bond Alpaca & Wool Rib Sweater, 60 percent off, and a soft, stylish layer that’s perfect for fall.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The conversation turned especially poignant when Dern discussed the practical realities facing older performers, noting that the Screen Actors Guild provides no comprehensive health care plan for retired actors.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Our study shows that comprehensive policy changes can meaningfully protect vaccination coverage.
    Anthony Bald, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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