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 a much less obvious scene was altered on third-party streaming services in India, while the threesome involving two brothers remained intact. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 Mexico and Canada exempt from new tariffs Neighboring Mexico and Canada are exempt also from Trump's latest tariffs, but the 25% tariffs that Trump previously levied on both countries will remain intact. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 That said, the underlying drivers of a sustainable future—innovation, tapping into cost-efficient renewable energy, and consumer demand for ethical practices—remain intact. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025 Their relationship remains intact, though Rosie definitely suspects there might be something more between Kainalu and Hina. Andy Swift, TVLine, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Any time a bird gets sick, the entire flock is killed to help keep bird flu from spreading.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The team’s biggest concerns for 390’s recovery since July has been that the growth bed would be too damaged for the keratin to regrow and that the bone that supports the entire structure of the upper beak may have too much missing and grow back together.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the ones who got truly screwed in this whole double-elimination business are the viewers.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Marchesa Casati took her love of the panther to a whole other level.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Engaging with this data, these states are able to create a much more complete picture of what maternal health care looks like.
    Antonio Reynoso, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Factoring in Cunningham working himself back into a complete All-Star, playoff-caliber level only adds weight to these games.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Read the full story by Khaleda Rahman on Newsweek.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • James Bond was already perfect, why changing the roots of Ian Fleming[‘s] iconic character ?
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • For a club trying to re-establish winning credibility, winning charisma after a difficult few years, Paratici could be perfect.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a comprehensive, step-by-step Reddit guide published on r/DHGate, user FabulousNinja8399 shares that this medal signals a seller has achieved the highest grade a store can receive: ACE status.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The industry event expects approximately 200 participants from Europe, Asia, Canada, and Latin America, offering a comprehensive program of lectures, case studies, labs, one-on-one meetings, and networking events.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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