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 Their relationship remains intact, though Rosie definitely suspects there might be something more between Kainalu and Hina. Andy Swift, TVLine, 31 Mar. 2025 As long as that coating remains intact, the pellet continues to slowly sink. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2025 The plans to conduct mass layoffs remain intact, and staff have continued to have meetings about the cuts, according to the employee, who took the stand under the pseudonym Alex Doe. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 28 Mar. 2025 The Department of Education has maintained that all operations, including those related to student loan forgiveness and repayment, will remain intact. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • The brand even dedicated an entire collection to them: The Secret Garden, where gourmand and floral elements intertwine.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s the entire conversation — to hear an audio version, go here for the podcast provider of your choice, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or just press play above.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The vastness of framed white space and the comparatively minuscule labels arrest the viewer, requiring them to crane their neck, to move back and forth or close to the frame in order to read from part to part to whole while also weighing the blanks.
    Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At Marseille, Chef Xavier Monge will be offering a Bouche A La Reine (fricassee of sweetbreads and rooster crest) to start, followed by Wild Hare A La Royale (whole hare braised in Burgundy red wine, baby carrots, asparagus, pearl onions, mirror foie gras liaison).
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Factoring in Cunningham working himself back into a complete All-Star, playoff-caliber level only adds weight to these games.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Engaging with this data, these states are able to create a much more complete picture of what maternal health care looks like.
    Antonio Reynoso, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Watch the full clip with Ricci and O'Brien in the video, above.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ennis was elevated to full champion status in November 2023 when the sanctioning body stripped Terence Crawford of the belt not long after Crawford unified the welterweight titles with a win over Errol Spence Jr.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is one of those perfect tequilas, but versatile enough for cocktails.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • James Bond was already perfect, why changing the roots of Ian Fleming[‘s] iconic character ?
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a comprehensive, step-by-step Reddit guide published on r/DHGate, user FabulousNinja8399 shares that this medal signals a seller has achieved the highest grade a store can receive: ACE status.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The European Union is so far the only jurisdiction globally to drive forward comprehensive rules for artificial intelligence with its AI Act.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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