intact

adjective

in·​tact in-ˈtakt How to pronounce intact (audio)
Synonyms of intact
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 How to pronounce intact (audio)
noun

Synonyms of intact

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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

Examples of intact in a Sentence

The house survived the war intact. After 25 years, their friendship remained intact.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After the demonstrations, the cutting edge remained intact, with no visible chipping or major edge damage. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 In the immediate aftermath of the blaze, the grove appeared intact. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Gammer says the Williston Lake island seems to be intact and clinging to the shoreline—at least for now. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2026 Built in 1903 as a hotel, it was converted in 2016 to a luxury residential building with unusually intact prewar character, plus the latest post-postwar amenities, including a 24-hour doorman, a private rooftop with Manhattan views, and a gym. — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact

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

Rhymes for intact

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Browse Nearby Words

intabulation
intact
intagliated
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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intact. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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)
: physically and functionally complete
The sense of smell was intact.
intact cell membranes
specifically, of an animal : not castrated
intactness noun
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