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 Such a proposal would start a 45-day clock for the House and Senate to either vote to cut the funding or ignore the proposal and keep the funding intact. Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025 After keeping its original seven-member main cast intact since the pilot — something extremely rare these days — the firefighter drama will head into its fourth season without two of them, sources tell Deadline. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025 Glad to see that Oblivion is still Oblivion after all these years, and everything, including the comedy, has been kept intact for this. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 All of the core functions and features of Oblivion have been kept intact, including minigames like lockpicking and bartering. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Since then, the Club Shay Shay host and his legal team have vehemently denied the allegations and claimed the Jane Doe set up the entire situation with a plan to extort him for $50 million.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 5 May 2025
  • Dina’s hair looks incredible the entire time, by the way.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • And so that was my struggle throughout the whole scene — just trying not to cry.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • There’s a camera grip that also attaches to the bottom of the case to turn the whole setup into something resembling a camera.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • These were used to generate complete genome sequences.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
  • This canopy comes complete with guy ropes, stakes, and weight bags for long days outside.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Employees who don’t take full advantage of it are missing out on an average of $1,336 each year, which could add up to $42,855 over 20 years assuming an average annual return of 4.5%, according to Vanguard and a 2015 Financial Engines research report.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The full number of health and human services agency full-time positions would be 8,075.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The more dextrous will get perfect curves and straight lines.
    Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Los Angeles, which wanted to move up to draft Brock Bowers last year, found an option at tight end in this draft in Terrance Ferguson, a four-year starter out of Oregon who could become a perfect complement in the middle of the field to the 1-2 punch on the outside in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This balancing act reflects Prime Video’s broader strategy of becoming a comprehensive entertainment destination.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 May 2025
  • Democrats tried for decades to pass comprehensive healthcare legislation before finally succeeding without any GOP support in 2010 under President Barack Obama.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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