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 Fully intact modules can even be reused in new traction batteries, adding more value. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 Most importantly, the absurd humor and memorable characters are still intact. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025 If the seedheads stay intact, goldfinches, chickadees and other birds will feed on seeds into fall and winter. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 China's Fu Gang Building holds the Guinness World Record for heaviest building to be moved intact, and weighs almost 20,000 tons. New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Not everyone adds the entire show lineup to their Google Calendar, and the screenshot of the CFDA schedule is quickly lost in a sea of other content.
    Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Best places to see the total lunar eclipse The best views of the total lunar eclipse will be from Asian and Western Australia, where skywatchers can see the entire event from start to finish, according to Time and Date.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now Kate has a whole new political reality to navigate, even as Hal continues to campaign for Kate to become vice president.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Without his braces, Butt-Head sees the world and himself in a whole new light.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Slickers County Ice Cream No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without a stop at this beloved small-batch ice cream shop.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • At that point, a new Border War chapter was all but complete, and this one came with huge moments, plot twists, momentum swings, the works.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Atrium Health Primary Care Gold Hill offers quick access to a care team and other benefits for a lower fee than the full concierge model, according to the company.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Hardcore fans of the nine-season NBC comedy classic may even remember that was the actual full name of the show’s in-universe documentary that aired in Season 9.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Native shrubs perfect for fall Chokeberry Chokeberry features crimson or orange leaves in autumn, with red berries that can persist through winter.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The midweight fabric is perfect for layering on chillier fall days, while the snap closure leaves room for easy venting.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cartman 39-piece Tool Set For road trips, a more comprehensive toolkit is worth packing.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The principles are actionable best-practice, distilled from multiple comprehensive studies.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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