Definition of intactnext

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 Buildings stand intact, cars move through the streets and children ride their bikes, as life appears to go on as normal. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Though Steinem had recently become more frail physically, her wit and humor remained totally intact. ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Constantly looking to accentuate his team’s strengths while working to keep the group’s identity intact. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Gammer says the Williston Lake island seems to be intact and clinging to the shoreline—at least for now. Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • The Minot operation took that work a step further by moving an entire system for refurbishment.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Which brought the evening back to Steinem, to whom von Furstenberg dedicated the entire soirée.
    Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tucker Kraft Day is a real thing, too, and the whole town gathered on Main Street in their Kraft gear while a drone flew overhead.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s a whole generation of girlies like me who’ve followed these ladies through our adolescence into adulthood.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The hierarchy have applied a couple of touch-ups here and there, adding Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, who had an impressive World Cup up front for Morocco, but this is a near-complete team.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Lions controlled the game from start to finish, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season while keeping a dangerous San Diego side from threatening.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither the names of the nominees nor how many seats Oasis sought could be learned, but to gain full control of the company’s board would require it to nominate five directors.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The only men were the mayor, the three members of town council, the priest from the Catholic church, Father Michael, and the reverend from the Baptist church, as well as a man with a balding head and a full moustache, his suit pressed and clean.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The pass the Netherlands forward wrapped into Alexander Isak’s feet was perfect.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Hoosiers have won 17 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are a perfect 16-0 at home under Cignetti.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • China’s grain output reached a record 715 million tons in 2025, while national plans call for increasing comprehensive grain production capacity to about 725 million tons by 2030.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In May, Raman announced a comprehensive Palisades recovery plan that touched on many of the demands fire survivors had been voicing for more than a year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster