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

Examples 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 The landed aristocracy of Great Britain long ago discovered that to be a way to keep their inheritance intact. Miami Herasld Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025 To all intents and purposes, his career at the top is done, but his willingness to speak his mind is definitely intact. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 At the end of last year, a farmer in eastern Turkey discovered a rare, largely intact late Roman mosaic while planting a cherry orchard. George Nelson For Artnews, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025 For investors that took the long term view, figures are still up 99% on 2016, suggesting the fundamental strength of the market remains intact. Mark Littler, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intact 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • They're thought to account for about 85% of matter in the entire universe.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • At the top of those stairs, team officials devoted an entire lounge to the dogs, including a pet relief station equipped with artificial grass.
    Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The whole league is wary of placing too much emphasis on regular-season results — experience has shown to be a great separator come playoff time.
    Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Historians argued that the whole area should be preserved as an archaeological site.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Judge Andy Porter denied the suppression motion, and the jury viewed and listened to the complete interview, in which Nixon-Clark admitted firing the Kriss Vector rifle once outside the house.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Without a complete picture of a youth’s background, psychologists may be unable to recommend the appropriate level of care, support or supervision.
    Philip Caldwell, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The reservoirs for the city of Los Angeles, through the metropolitan water district, are full.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Teotihuacan was full of apartment compounds at its peak.
    Ashley Gardini, JSTOR Daily, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Waterproof hiking pants: on sale for $43.99 Original price: $53.99 These waterproof pants are perfect for winter hiking or skiing.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Unfortunately, there’s no easy way and there’s no perfect way to do that.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Finally, employers should engage legal counsel and technical experts to conduct comprehensive compliance reviews.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The sharp decline in population—unprecedented in the absence of war, disease or famine—is concerning for the Chinese Communist Party government, which measures the one-party state's overall strength in comprehensive national power and comes amid an economic slowdown and an aging workforce.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intact

Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

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