intact

adjective

in·​tact in-ˈtakt 

1

: untouched especially by anything that harms or diminishes : entire, uninjured

2

of a living body or its parts : having no relevant component removed or destroyed:

a

: physically virginal

b

: not castrated

intactness

in-ˈtak(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• compleat
• complete
• comprehensive
• entire
• full
• grand
• integral
• perfect
• plenary
• total
• whole

Choose the Right Synonym for intact

perfect, whole, entire, intact mean not lacking or faulty in any particular.

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

whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained.

felt like a whole person again after vacation

entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

Example Sentences

The house survived the war intact.

After 25 years, their friendship remained intact.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other visa programs for foreigners with means remain intact. —Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2023

The French government says that with rising life expectancy the reform is essential to ensure that the pension system remains intact. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2023

The rest of the fish’s bone structure remains intact. —Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 13 Mar. 2023

Dating back to 1917, much of the building's original charm remains intact, right down to the burgundy post box sandwiched between two cherry red doors greeting guests upon check-in. —Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2023

Since the fibrous bran layer and nutrient-rich germ remain intact, these whole-grain rice varieties, like brown rice, typically take longer to cook and have a chewier texture and nuttier taste than refined white rice. —Ashley Martens, Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023

As Priscilla and Riley vie for control of Elvis' financial legacy, Schilling hopes to see one part of the mythology remain intact. —Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2023

Some upgrades to the venue’s patio are likely in the offing, Teasley said, but Saturn’s character and décor will remain intact. —Mary Colurso | [e-mail], al, 6 Mar. 2023

Almost all of the rigging and deck hardware on both ships remained intact. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English intacte, from Latin intactus, from in- + tactus, past participle of tangere to touch — more at tangent entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intact

adjective

in·​tact in-ˈtakt 

: untouched especially by anything that harms : not damaged or lessened

Medical Definition

intact

adjective

in·​tact in-ˈtakt 

1

: physically and functionally complete

the sense of touch was intact

intact cell membranes

: as

a

: physically virginal

when intact adult females were brought into heat

—Anatomical Record

b

: not castrated

—used chiefly of a domestic animal

the medication may cause severe problems for intact female cats

2

: mentally unimpaired

intactness noun