intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈin-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce intimacy (audio)
plural intimacies
Synonyms of intimacynext
1
: the state of being intimate : familiarity
2
: something of a personal or private nature
see also:
intimacy coordinator

Synonyms of intimacy

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Examples of intimacy in a Sentence

the intimacy of old friends the intimacy of their relationship He felt he achieved a certain intimacy with her. The band liked the intimacy of the nightclub.
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.
Instead, Joe’s bureaucratic limbo provides a route into questions of usefulness, intimacy and belonging, combining an absurdist view of the future with a warmer, more humanist register. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 So too Alien, with its cruel interstellar intimacy, its metallic shadows and gooey whites. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 The film, set in the Belgian trenches of the First World War, follows the love between two young soldiers who try, through art and intimacy, to escape the horrors around them. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Instead, LaMarque suggests adding decorative fixtures such as sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps to create atmosphere and intimacy in your living room. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intimacy was in 1641

Phrases Containing intimacy

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intima
intimacy
intimacy coordinator
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Cite this Entry

“Intimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimacy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intimacy

noun
in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈint-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce intimacy (audio)
plural intimacies
1
: the state of being intimate
2
: something of a personal or private nature
shared little intimacies in their letters

More from Merriam-Webster on intimacy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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