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 His return leaves Buffalo’s offensive line mostly intact, with left guard David Edwards the only starter unsigned. ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 Stay true to your roots and keep that handle intact even as your remit expands to podcasting and socializing. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2026 Many of the characteristics that made the stocks so attractive, like profit growth, remain intact. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026 Like any career, doing good work requires an intact reputation. Jocelyn Noveck, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • In some cases, entire families sign up to record video, speech and images for AI training to supplement their income.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The entire company has been brought to a standstill.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole Irwin family was helping out at the camp except perhaps the one with the best hands of all, his sister, Ava, the reigning Southern Section Division 1 flag football player of the year as a freshman at JSerra who was busy at a flag football competition.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Fiber-rich carbs like whole wheat bread, whole oats, brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes are great choices for breakfast.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bahrain and Qatar have effectively halted production of oil and LNG, keeping output at a trickle to avoid complete shutdowns that could damage reservoirs and delay restarts.
    Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
  • No capsule wardrobe is complete without a classic shift dress.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Swaps imply two full 25-basis-point hikes by the ECB this year compared with one on Friday.
    James Hirai, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Alcantara received plenty of support from his lineup in the form of four home runs and six strong innings from the bullpen tossed in a 7-5 win at Miami’s loanDepot park as the Dominican Republic went a perfect 4-0 in pool play.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Shawkat, with her warm, amused eyes and her mop of curls, is a perfect carrier for Mae’s air of abjection, flopping around her bed like a horny, gloomy Raggedy Ann.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The donation will also support research initiatives advancing precision medicine approaches including studies of treatment response, comprehensive molecular profiling to personalize therapy and the application of artificial intelligence to detect trends that can guide more effective care.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Evanston publishes easily accessible comprehensive financial information on its website, including bills lists, debt information and salaries.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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