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 For its new chapter, the band hired new musicians and a new lead singer to join forces with Mike Shinoda, keeping the core identity of both a rapper and a singer/screamer intact. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Each grain of rice remains intact, suspended in a rich, thick soup fragrant with ginger. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025 The building was mostly kept intact although a small pool was removed to make way for part of the restaurant. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025 The core of that side is still intact, with eight of the starters from the 2023 final — a narrow 1-0 defeat by Manchester City — still at the club. Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Since then, the Club Shay Shay host and his legal team have vehemently denied the allegations and claimed the Jane Doe set up the entire situation with a plan to extort him for $50 million.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 5 May 2025
  • Dina’s hair looks incredible the entire time, by the way.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • And so that was my struggle throughout the whole scene — just trying not to cry.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Whether or not President Trump's going to dismiss him is a whole different conversation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Walt Disney World is gearing up for a fantastic summer, complete with a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, two new shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a slew of new activities for guests at select resorts.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
  • By the time markets closed on Monday, the rebound was complete, with traders actually up from January thanks to the biggest day of gains since tariffs tanked confidence.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • On the other hand, users earn free passes and engagement reward points, which cover the full subscription fee initially paid by Hibe, in return.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • But the idyll is illusory – Kashmir is one of the world’s most militarized regions and the trigger for multiple wars between India and Pakistan, who both claim the territory in full but control only in part.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The crisper or deli drawer is perfect for this purpose, maintaining a more stable temperature than in other parts of the fridge.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
  • This novel is perfect for the readers who crave intense excitement through science-fiction, this immersive world will keep the readers hooked to the very last page.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The male and female butlers go through a comprehensive 108-point training program.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Still, some Republicans are pointing to the recent criminal cases as evidence of a systemic flaw that requires a comprehensive solution, like requiring all Americans to provide a birth certificate, passport or other citizenship document to register to vote.
    Miles Parks, NPR, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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