Definition of intactnext

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 The most powerful visual effect is the ashy remains of the playground victims, still intact—until a shock wave scatters the ashes to the wind. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 All these accolades and swift-but-eventful years later, the persona of the guy who became a wonder of the world remains intact and part of his unique appeal. Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 Following behind her was Willow, in her own make-shift crutches — but don't worry, Willow's knees are still intact. Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The test may have started as a wild marketing idea, but after five hours of searching through the Swedish wilderness, the team had the intact phone to prove it. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there’s a kind of hip, comfort food aspect to the entire enterprise that keeps it an easy, if slightly cluttered and overlong watch.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Your practical instincts are useful, Virgo, but don’t arrive with the whole plan already laminated.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the current setup, teams select players that other teams leave unprotected and then must carry that player on their big-league roster for a full year.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That income limit is a cliff — earning a dollar over the limit generally means paying the full, unsubsidized premium.
    Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Wrigley Field is a perfect setting for a rom-com, since many young fans are looking for romance and not paying a whole lot of attention to the actual game.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The town is now essentially a real-world study for scientists, after comprehensive data was gathered over a year back in 2007.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Problems with standardized assessments The most comprehensive measure of adult literacy levels is the Survey of Adult Skills, which is part of a larger international assessment known as the PIAAC.
    Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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