intact

adjective

in·​tact in-ˈtakt How to pronounce intact (audio)
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 noun
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 | Mcolurso@al.com, al, 6 Mar. 2023 Almost all of the rigging and deck hardware on both ships remained intact. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intact was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intact

Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intact. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

intact

adjective
in·​tact in-ˈtakt How to pronounce intact (audio)
: untouched especially by anything that harms : not damaged or lessened

Medical Definition

intact

adjective
in·​tact in-ˈtakt How to pronounce intact (audio)
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 heatAnatomical 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

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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