intimacy

noun

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

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.
These digital archives, and the strange intimacy that produces them, are the subject of Searches, a new essay collection by the novelist and journalist Vauhini Vara. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 People with avoidant attachment strongly prioritize independence and may struggle with emotional intimacy. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The mom of three, 43, spoke with guest co-host Olivia Munn, 44, on an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends about a recent headline that suggested Maury Povich and his wife Connie Chung schedule intimacy with each other on the weekends. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Even if these next steps don’t seem like a drastic transition to you, the sheer concept of rigid labels can feel like a pressure point to others—one that comes with more expectations, responsibility, and a level of intimacy that can be intimidating for some. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Intimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimacy. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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