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 current seven tax brackets remain intact and will continue to adjust for inflation. Blake Harrison, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025 Others are more intact, forming systems that run for hundreds of miles and stand tens of yards tall. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 2025 Still, an earlier, smaller version of the special taxing district remains intact. Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025 If the Senate does not act by July 18, the rescission effort will fail and the CPB funding will remain intact. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intact
Adjective
  • After just a few months on the job, Bondi claimed her anti-fentanyl operations saved 258 million lives—a number that is roughly three-quarters of the entire U.S. population.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • So, the whole start of that song were those questions.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • As its only consistent cast member, Lyonne is basically the whole show.
    Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Construction is about 20% complete, and the building is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year, said Lippman, the CEO of Carmen Schools.
    Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • All the elements are there, complete with potential cliff-hanger endings for each episode.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The walkout lower level includes a full home gym and sauna.
    Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • No full freeway closures were scheduled in metro Phoenix over the weekend, but cross streets along the Loop 101 were set to be closed, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
    Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the post’s third slide, Mahomes posed alongside her husband Patrick Mahomes, and their two children, Sterling and Bronze, while wearing a plain T-shirt, black shorts, and a fuss-free crossbody bag perfect for days spent chasing little ones.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • One of the town favorites, Mast General Store, got started in Western North Carolina in the 19th century and is still providing the area with outdoor goods and apparel perfect for adventures in WNC and beyond.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the moment, SiriusXM car and streaming plans start at $9.99 per month, going up to $25 per month for its most comprehensive offering.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
  • Programs can leverage these capabilities to look at other sources of insider threat (e.g., fraud, IP theft, etc.) in an integrated and comprehensive way.
    Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intact. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intact

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!