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 Garner said that per the Unified Government’s agreement with KCKCC, Willa Gill will remain intact until the government finds an alternative location to house its services. Sofi Zeman october 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 Blending innovation and tradition, these spaces reflect the city’s modern spirit while keeping its Mediterranean soul intact. Visit València, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 From the Large Magellanic Cloud, the closest intact galaxy beyond the Milky Way. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025 Allen’s film uses art as advocacy, forcing audiences to interrogate whether the American promise of land ownership, and by extension, freedom remains intact. Essence, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • But every once in a while, someone shifts your entire perspective.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a bit too much fruit notes and kind of a younger whiskey feeling to WLW this year, although out of the context of the entire collection this is not a bad pour at all.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Second, ensure the whole executive team fully buys into the idea and holds others accountable for implementation.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Which is not always easy, given that Bellingham is ultimately a player for dominant moments and sudden bursts rather than someone who controls whole games.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • New signals, crosswalks and bike infrastructure could be complete by 2026.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Why does one hard working fan have to buy seven different versions of an album instead of just having all of the songs be on one complete album?
    Bryan West, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As of Tuesday evening, the fire crew has achieved full containment of the blaze.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Use it in Laptop Mode for productivity with a full keyboard and trackpad, switch to Studio Mode for drawing and design with the Surface Pen (not included), or detach the screen to enter Tablet Mode for browsing, streaming, and entertainment.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His size and demeanor are perfect for wrangling crowds and looking over heads at Titans games to see if people are trying to access vehicles in the parking lot, officers say.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Neville, who earned his degree in business administration from Regis, was a frequent recipient of perfect ratings from the American Conservative Union and Americans for Prosperity.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Then the Shasta County Coroner’s Office collaborated with Othram, whose scientists extracted DNA from the remains and employed its Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to construct a comprehensive DNA profile, the laboratory said in a news release.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Specializing in criminal defense, civil rights litigation, personal injury, family law, and sports entertainment, the firm employs a comprehensive approach.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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