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 the plan presented in late May, the new proposal will leave school taxes intact. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 Egypt promised still greater treasures, since the dry climate that kept mummies intact was also good for preserving papyrus, a fragile material made from the pith of the papyrus plant. Madeleine Schwartz, The New York Review of Books, 6 June 2026 Whole grains are processed in a way that leaves more of the original grain intact, boosting nutrient content. Caitlin Beale, Health, 5 June 2026 Still, his competitive streak remains intact. Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • For his entire adult life, Mbappe has been seen as the player at the vanguard of the post-Messi, post-Ronaldo, post-Neymar era.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The whole world relied on our labor, but none of us felt any sense of accomplishment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The drums were louder, the extra kick drums hit harder, and the whole song felt … Blacker.
    Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Put simply, Maine would not be Maine without its lobster—and a trip to Maine wouldn’t be complete without eating some.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • That single trait adds a complete unpredictability to Waddle’s breaks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, my niece is ready and the potty full of pee is passed above the table because there is no room to carry it around the side without spilling on the guests.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • That new chapter quickly turned into a full-fledged sequel, and Girls Like Us was born.
    Jennifer Dugan, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Young boys, some no older than five or six, showed off their marksmanship by throwing reeds like spears with perfect accuracy, and the men demonstrated their precision with bow and arrow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The other booking options, which are perfect for families, include two-bedroom suites, three-bedroom villas, and four-bedroom villas, with ocean and beachfront views available.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) teamed up with their counterparts at John Hopkins University to develop a comprehensive framework to model quantum noise for superconducting quantum processors.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
  • Rocket Money is a comprehensive personal finance app that aims to provide a 360-degree view of your financial health.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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