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 Unlike previous Ship splashdowns, though, which have exploded after tipping over into the water, Ship 40 remained largely intact and afloat. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026 His political nous has been shown by surviving intact through a number of storms. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 That, in turn, allows Maurice to keep his other two lines to open the season — Anton Lundell with Eetu Luostarinen and Sandis Vilmanis, Lars Eller with Bokondji Imama and Garnet Hathaway — intact. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Charlotte Douglas International Airport is nearing a lease agreement that would keep the American Airlines hub intact. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Larsson has missed practice time and the final three preseason games because of his illness, and Smith missed the entire preseason after straining his calf during training camp.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Japanese denim makers curate for customers eager to stand out from the crowd, and that has taken on a whole new meaning in the era of monotonous algorithmic recommendations and AI slop.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For many residents, uncertainties over the timeline have only added to their anxiety, while experts say the whole process seems far behind schedule.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The bill advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee last month but has not passed the full chamber.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Thankfully, the lunar disk will set a few hours after midnight, leaving a window of beautifully dark sky before dawn in which to enjoy the full majesty of the annual meteor shower.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Perfect Prescription is Spacemen 3’s masterpiece, an imperfect record made by one of the last holistically perfect groups of the 20th century.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The home office that completes this level offers a perfect spot for working from home.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As reported, Moncler reprised its Re/Icons project that celebrates archival pieces, first introduced in 2023, adding a comprehensive ready-to-wear collection — a first for the initiative.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But the regulator said none has fully acknowledged past debanking decisions or created a comprehensive program to remediate affected customers.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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