Synonyms of intimate

intimate 1 of 3

adjective

ˈin-tə-mət 

1

as in close

closely acquainted

intimate friends who can practically finish each other's sentences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• close
• familiar
• friendly
• inseparable
• bosom
• chummy
• tight
• comfortable
• inward
• especial
• near
• affectionate
• social
• convivial
• loving
• thick
• buddy-buddy
• dear
• companionable
• gracious
• confidential
• cozy
• clannish
• cordial
• close-knit
• affable
• gregarious
• secretive
• sociable
• tight-knit
• easy
• genial
• neighborly
• warm
• amicable
• boon
• hearty
• adoring
• snug
• devoted
• fond
• tender
• tenderhearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distant
• distant
• remote
• cold
• cool
• withdrawn
• detached
• aloof
• unfriendly
• antisocial
• frosty
• reserved
• standoffish
• unsociable

2

as in confidential

not known or meant to be known by the general populace

they trusted each other enough to share intimate thoughts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confidential
• private
• secret
• personal
• esoteric
• undisclosed
• classified
• hidden
• nonpublic
• inside
• clandestine
• behind-the-scenes
• privy
• restricted
• undercover
• hushed
• hush-hush
• concealed
• top secret
• conspiratorial
• surreptitious
• covert
• collusive
• silent
• unadvertised
• untold
• unsaid
• furtive
• underground
• unmentioned
• closet
• unannounced
• stealthy
• closeted
• sneaky
• sneak
• backstage
• repressed
• underhanded
• underhand
• suppressed
• occult
• offstage
• stifled
• silenced
• offscreen
• sneaking
• hugger-mugger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• public
• common
• open
• general
• broadcast
• publicized
• popular
• vulgar
• aired
• advertised
• widespread
• disclosed
• current
• professed
• reported
• communal
• published
• well-known
• proclaimed
• heralded
• announced
• prevailing
• prevalent
• blazed
• declared
• shared
• rife
• divulged
• enunciated
• spotlighted
• promulgated

intimate

2 of 3

noun

ˈin-tə-mət 

as in friend

a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another

usually quite aloof in public, he's actually very relaxed with his intimates

Synonyms & Similar Words

• friend
• buddy
• confidant
• familiar
• confidante
• alter ego
• pal
• colleague
• partner
• sister
• acquaintance
• chum
• compadre
• comrade
• crony
• musketeer
• brother
• mate
• companion
• hearty
• associate
• amigo
• peer
• accomplice
• collaborator
• cohort
• ally
• friendly
• fellow
• blood brother
• sport
• benefactor
• main man
• pen pal
• supporter
• hobnobber
• sympathizer
• abettor
• confederate
• well-wisher

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enemy
• foe
• adversary
• competitor
• opponent
• rival
• antagonist
• archenemy
• nemesis

intimate

3 of 3

verb

ˈin-tə-ˌmāt 

as in to indicate

to convey an idea indirectly

trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew

Synonyms & Similar Words

• indicate
• imply
• hint
• suggest
• allude
• infer
• refer
• insinuate
• point
• mention
• signal
• signify
• smell (of)
• advert
• signalize
• smack (of)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• announce
• explain
• declare
• proclaim
• describe
• elucidate
• spell out
• delineate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intimate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of intimate are hint, imply, insinuate, and suggest. While all these words mean "to convey an idea indirectly," intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor.

intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye

In what contexts can hint take the place of intimate?

The meanings of hint and intimate largely overlap; however, hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement.

hinted that she might get the job

How are the words imply and suggest related as synonyms of intimate?

Imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed.

measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent

When would insinuate be a good substitute for intimate?

The words insinuate and intimate can be used in similar contexts, but insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner.

insinuated that there were shady dealings

When could suggest be used to replace intimate?

The synonyms suggest and intimate are sometimes interchangeable, but suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought.

a film title that suggests its subject matter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intimate

Adjective

Holloway, who is known in England as a former contestant on the reality TV music competition X-Factor, performs everywhere from intimate venues to music festivals and arenas. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

The Eighth Rule, an intimate, bourbon-forward cocktail lounge and social dining destination from four-time NBA champion and Olympian Stephen Curry. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Noun

There’s a tremendous sweetness to the film and its central relationships, but the banter ping-pongs swiftly between the intimate and the darkly absurd. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Echavarría noted that Colombia excels in categories such as sportswear, swimwear, intimates and uniforms. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026

Verb

From stunning vistas to intimate and cozy restaurants, beautiful beaches, and more, there are many ways to define a romantic getaway. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026

Five of their 22 false-start penalties this season have been called on Brotherly Shove attempts, intimating that the league’s officials are calling things more tightly. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025