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 Instead of punishing the company for not participating in an LLM arms race, Apple is being rewarded for being one of the only megacaps that has kept free cash flow intact. Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 10 July 2026 That indicates that at the rank-and-file level within the agency, integrity and adherence to standards remain generally intact, even if those principles have been put under pressure from above. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Meredith’s varsity eligibility still remains intact at Euless Trinity, his previous school. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026 On Wednesday, Jones became the first pitcher in Pirates history to depart with a perfect game intact after at least six innings. ABC News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Apple’s entire business is predicated on the consumer desire for simplicity.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
  • In that time, Hard Rock Stadium hosted Brazil versus Scotland and Colombia against Portugal, two of the most attractive group stage matches in the entire tournament.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Chicken enchiladas are one of our favorite make-ahead meals for the whole family.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
  • Some artists leave a stark contrast between matte and glossy designs, while others go in with one final, shiny top coat over the whole nail.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Roupp fought to stay in the game and record the first complete game of his career, but at 104 pitches, Vitello went to his bullpen to seal the blowout win instead of pushing his starter.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • These days, a complete Wirkkala set can fetch upwards of $3,600.
    Jessica Salter, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The groomer parks in your driveway or at your curb, brings your dog into the vehicle and handles the full appointment on-site.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Huffman was 19 and enrolled at UC Santa Barbara on a full-ride volleyball scholarship.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • In comparison, the Sparks, without an offensive rebound until the end of the third quarter, were forced to make perfect shots, though that was far from the team’s grasp.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • While no missile defense system offers perfect protection, modern layered architectures have significantly improved the ability to detect, track, and intercept increasingly sophisticated threats.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Since the warehouse fire is so recent and cleanup has just begun, Jegede said the precise impact on gardens can’t be measured until comprehensive soil tests are conducted in the area.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • According to the National Endowment for the Arts, which conducts the most comprehensive survey of the nation’s reading habits, fewer than half of all adults reported having read a book of any kind in 2022.
    Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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