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 Walter would choose between acquiring a money-losing Lakers channel or keeping intact the two Charter deals that pay the Dodgers and Lakers more than $500 million combined each year. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 Residents in the wing that stayed intact managed to get out but were not allowed to return to their homes, and the rest of the building, determined to be unstable, was demolished 10 days later as a hurricane threatened South Florida. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 This dynamic remains intact in our contemporary legal system. Aron Solomon june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 The Paramount+ Showtime cable network brand, as well as the top-tier programming for the streaming service, are staying intact. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Or harvest the fruits after the entire vine dies at the end of the season.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • American Civil Liberties Union attorney Rebecca Sheff says the federal government is testing a more punitive approach to border enforcement with the new military zones and worries it will be expanded across the entire border.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The whole point of the ESA is to help species recover to the point where they’re no longer endangered.
    Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
  • With that insurance, you'll reportedly be covered for theft of the whole bike, theft of components and the cost of a total write-off.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • To maintain growth, the company expanded the platform into a complete business admin service while also taking a risk on expanding to the U.S.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Arden Way, from Watt to Morse avenues, has been undergoing a complete street rehabilitation since March, which will last to the end of 2025.
    Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • For full ticketing details, visit frontiertouring.com/kelseaballerini.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Read your full Aries tarot horoscope for July 2025 for more.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Every great move leaves something behind; the goal isn’t to be perfect but committed.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The Nike Cortez sneakers are my go-to—they’re easy, comfortable, and perfect for styling upon arrival, too.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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