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 But with their political and judicial protection networks still intact, any criminal groups that are weakened by the president’s current strategy may simply be replaced by new ones. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 But while the zip code may have changed, the spirit remains intact. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 June 2025 Aaron Kehoe The compressive force presses the fibrin threads together as they're sucked up against the open end of the tube, while the shear force rolls them up into a small, tight, fully intact ball. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 7 June 2025 The baroness stipulated that the cabinet of curiosities remain intact. News Desk, Artforum, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Here is what is new at the 2025 BMW Championship: Because only the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup rankings will participate in the championship, there is no cut, which ensures that the entire field – barring a withdrawal – will stick around until Sunday’s final round.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
  • The entire episode was captured on NYPD bodycam video.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The study area covers the high seas of the whole Atlantic Ocean, from 65 degrees South latitude to 65 degrees North latitude and from 90 West longitude to 25 East longitude.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • But an even better story, in the whole grand scheme of things is this: In front of our eyes, and once and for all, the league got younger, and in a big way.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Williams, from Wisconsin, and Heckel, from Southern Cal, make for what could be a devastatingly complete UConn team.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • Platforms like LiveRamp's Data Marketplace allow retailers to license their first-party audiences to programmatic buyers without building a complete DSP/SSP stack.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Andres did not play in the first meeting between the schools and did not play a full game in the second meeting.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • Make sure your browser supports WebGL to see the full version.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Original price: $29.99 This rustic American flag wreath is perfect for adding a welcoming touch to your front door.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • The Ohio State alum could also be a perfect mentor to 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, the U.S. and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, U.S., and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
    Aamer Madhani, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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