intimate
1 of 3adjective
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-mət 
1
a
: marked by a warm friendship developing through long association
intimate friends
b
: suggesting informal warmth or privacy
intimate clubs
c
: engaged in, involving, or marked by sex or sexual relations
It must have been a shock for the author to realize—somewhere between contract and completed manuscript—that while Ms. Brickman was intimate with dozens of mobsters, she was close to none of them.
Amy Pagnozzi
Amy PagnozziThe father of three children by three women doesn't have a girlfriend and says he hasn't been intimate with anyone in two months. Michael Silver
Michael Silver2
: of a very personal or private nature
intimate secrets
3
: marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
intimate knowledge of the law
4
a
: intrinsic, essential
b
: belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
intimately adverb
intimateness noun
intimate
2 of 3noun
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-mət
: a very close friend or confidant : an intimate friend
intimate
3 of 3verb
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-ˌmāt
intimated; intimating
transitive verb
1
: to communicate delicately and indirectly : hint
2
: to make known especially publicly or formally : announce
intimater noun
Synonyms
Adjective
- bosom
- buddy-buddy
- chummy
- close
- especial
- familiar
- friendly
- inseparable
- inward
- near
- thick
- tight
Noun
- alter ego
- amigo
- buddy
- chum
- compadre
- comrade
- confidant
- confidante
- crony
- familiar
- friend
- mate [chiefly British]
- musketeer
- pal
Verb
- allude
- hint
- imply
- indicate
- infer
- insinuate
- suggest
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective The dining room is plush and intimate, set off by some of the most extravagant floral arrangements in the city. Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2009 When a little-known writer undertakes a manifesto—a statement, after all, of sober purpose and principle—it is likely also to be a cri de coeur, and its reasoned argument will derive from the intimate wounds of autobiography. Cynthia Ozick, Harper's, April 2007 The company would sit around after dinner in the lavishly plain living room or wander out to the pool for more intimate conversation … Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987 They remained intimate friends throughout their lives. They are in an intimate and committed relationship. Noun Musicians … tend not, as writers do, to write hundreds of letters sharing with intimates what is going on in their hearts or heads. August Kleinzahler, New York Times Book Review, 18 Oct. 2009 She might not mind his assistance, and he was hungering for the company of an intimate to whom he could give and from whom he could receive, and who better in all the world than Nancy? Philip Roth, Everyman, 2006 So this is a biography rich in information, written in a humble and tasteful way by an intimate whose aim is to put a lot of material at the reader's disposal … Martha C. Nussbaum, New Republic, 31 Dec. 2001 & 7 Jan. 2002 His coworkers knew him as “Robert,” but his intimates called him “Robbie.” usually quite aloof in public, he's actually quite relaxed with his intimates Verb Is he really—as his advisers keep intimating to Western journalists—a serious reformer waiting to emerge from the closet? Murray Scot Tanner, Newsweek, 6 May 2002 The dome tops look like pieces of the older ridged plains, intimating that the domes formed when the plains were pushed upward from below. Robert T. Pappalardo et al., Scientific American, October 1999 He bounded on stage wearing a polo T-shirt and trousers whose sleekness intimated a large American Express bill. Caroline Sullivan, Times (London), 15 Oct. 1992 trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew See More
Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2009 When a little-known writer undertakes a manifesto—a statement, after all, of sober purpose and principle—it is likely also to be a cri de coeur, and its reasoned argument will derive from the intimate wounds of autobiography. Cynthia Ozick, Harper's, April 2007 The company would sit around after dinner in the lavishly plain living room or wander out to the pool for more intimate conversation … Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987 They remained intimate friends throughout their lives. They are in an intimate and committed relationship. Noun Musicians … tend not, as writers do, to write hundreds of letters sharing with intimates what is going on in their hearts or heads. August Kleinzahler, New York Times Book Review, 18 Oct. 2009 She might not mind his assistance, and he was hungering for the company of an intimate to whom he could give and from whom he could receive, and who better in all the world than Nancy? Philip Roth, Everyman, 2006 So this is a biography rich in information, written in a humble and tasteful way by an intimate whose aim is to put a lot of material at the reader's disposal … Martha C. Nussbaum, New Republic, 31 Dec. 2001 & 7 Jan. 2002 His coworkers knew him as “Robert,” but his intimates called him “Robbie.” usually quite aloof in public, he's actually quite relaxed with his intimates Verb Is he really—as his advisers keep intimating to Western journalists—a serious reformer waiting to emerge from the closet? Murray Scot Tanner, Newsweek, 6 May 2002 The dome tops look like pieces of the older ridged plains, intimating that the domes formed when the plains were pushed upward from below. Robert T. Pappalardo et al., Scientific American, October 1999 He bounded on stage wearing a polo T-shirt and trousers whose sleekness intimated a large American Express bill. Caroline Sullivan, Times (London), 15 Oct. 1992 trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew See More Recent Examples on the Web Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2022 Its pleasures are smaller, more intimate, personal, and that’s just fine with me. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2022 Wine Dark, meanwhile, is one of the moodier hues in the collection, and immediately makes a space feel more intimate. Helena Madden, ELLE Decor, 1 Sep. 2022 The actress and former Baywatch star revealed some of the more intimate aspects of her late-'90s relationship with basketball star Dennis Rodman to The Los Angeles Times. Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 Ryman Auditorium offers tourists a more intimate look. Fox News, 30 Aug. 2022 Any Beyoncé fan will love getting to see a more intimate side to her in this special documentary. Janaya Wecker, Town & Country, 29 Aug. 2022 For something more intimate, the Lo-Fi Lounge, HI-FI’s singer-songwriter showcase room, has hosted the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Walk The Moon pre-fame, and provides local and up-and-coming artists a stage. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Aug. 2022 Among the facility’s amenities are two state-of-the-art video boards and a more intimate fan experience with seats located significantly closer to the playing field than the old stadium. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2022 oregonlive, 31 Aug. 2022 In the 1932 presidential race, Frankfurter served as an intimate if unofficial adviser to the Roosevelt campaign, arranging speeches and offering suggestions. John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck kept their Las Vegas wedding intimate, with just them, Lopez's mom, and her kids attending. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 19 July 2022 The intimate, Encinitas amphitheater is set in a shady grove surrounded by layered tiers of plants and towering trees. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2022 In a town this intimate, where the community is just an extension of family, that trust is easier to come by. Moriah Balingit, Washington Post, 27 June 2022 The pop star married her longtime boyfriend in an intimate, at-home wedding last Thursday. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 June 2022 Gracious, intelligent and blessed with boyish good looks, Mr. Hawkins became a fixture on the elite party circuit and an intimate of its prime movers. New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022 To kick off New York Fashion Week, Saks Fifth Avenue hosted an intimate—but star-studded—dinner at its sceney midtown restaurant, L’Avenue. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2022 Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 4 July 2022 Shugrue dos Santos says research shows criminal responses to intimate partner violence have not lessened rates. Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 15 June 2022 Over 400 chefs, beverage producers and food personalities will partake in over 90 events this year ranging from walk-around tastings to masterclasses to intimate sit-down dinners. Cheryl Tiu, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2022 Many events from food festivals to intimate tasting sessions will be held throughout the year. David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022 DJs would intimate that this was a new British band. Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2021 Act 1 is the 1939 May Co. department store made over into the Saban Building, airy home for exhibition galleries, restaurant, store and intimate below-ground theater. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021 What would truly intimate, loving and pleasurable encounters or relationships with men actually look like? Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 25 June 2021 Public health lockdowns were the last thing the industry — from big, corporate cineplexes to intimate art houses — needed, said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations, which tracks the performance of films and other media. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2021 See More
Adjective
The film strikes a satisfying balance between wildlife photography and more intimate, often disturbing human drama. Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2022 Its pleasures are smaller, more intimate, personal, and that’s just fine with me. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2022 Wine Dark, meanwhile, is one of the moodier hues in the collection, and immediately makes a space feel more intimate. Helena Madden, ELLE Decor, 1 Sep. 2022 The actress and former Baywatch star revealed some of the more intimate aspects of her late-'90s relationship with basketball star Dennis Rodman to The Los Angeles Times. Grace Gavilanes, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2022 Ryman Auditorium offers tourists a more intimate look. Fox News, 30 Aug. 2022 Any Beyoncé fan will love getting to see a more intimate side to her in this special documentary. Janaya Wecker, Town & Country, 29 Aug. 2022 For something more intimate, the Lo-Fi Lounge, HI-FI’s singer-songwriter showcase room, has hosted the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Walk The Moon pre-fame, and provides local and up-and-coming artists a stage. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Aug. 2022 Among the facility’s amenities are two state-of-the-art video boards and a more intimate fan experience with seats located significantly closer to the playing field than the old stadium. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Aug. 2022 Noun
Isaac Lamb directs this intimate, 2018 off-Broadway delight. oregonlive, 31 Aug. 2022 In the 1932 presidential race, Frankfurter served as an intimate if unofficial adviser to the Roosevelt campaign, arranging speeches and offering suggestions. John Fabian Witt, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2022 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck kept their Las Vegas wedding intimate, with just them, Lopez's mom, and her kids attending. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 19 July 2022 The intimate, Encinitas amphitheater is set in a shady grove surrounded by layered tiers of plants and towering trees. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2022 In a town this intimate, where the community is just an extension of family, that trust is easier to come by. Moriah Balingit, Washington Post, 27 June 2022 The pop star married her longtime boyfriend in an intimate, at-home wedding last Thursday. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 June 2022 Gracious, intelligent and blessed with boyish good looks, Mr. Hawkins became a fixture on the elite party circuit and an intimate of its prime movers. New York Times, 30 Mar. 2022 To kick off New York Fashion Week, Saks Fifth Avenue hosted an intimate—but star-studded—dinner at its sceney midtown restaurant, L’Avenue. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2022 Verb
Venues range from the 1,200-seat Zeiterion Theatre to intimate shows in Seaman’s Bethel. Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 4 July 2022 Shugrue dos Santos says research shows criminal responses to intimate partner violence have not lessened rates. Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 15 June 2022 Over 400 chefs, beverage producers and food personalities will partake in over 90 events this year ranging from walk-around tastings to masterclasses to intimate sit-down dinners. Cheryl Tiu, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2022 Many events from food festivals to intimate tasting sessions will be held throughout the year. David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022 DJs would intimate that this was a new British band. Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2021 Act 1 is the 1939 May Co. department store made over into the Saban Building, airy home for exhibition galleries, restaurant, store and intimate below-ground theater. Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2021 What would truly intimate, loving and pleasurable encounters or relationships with men actually look like? Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 25 June 2021 Public health lockdowns were the last thing the industry — from big, corporate cineplexes to intimate art houses — needed, said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations, which tracks the performance of films and other media. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
alteration of obsolete intime, from Latin intimus — see intimate entry 3
Verb
Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare to put in, announce, from Latin intimus innermost, superlative of Old Latin *interus inward — more at interior
First Known Use
Adjective
circa 1632, in the meaning defined at sense 4a
Noun
1659, in the meaning defined above
Verb
1522, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Phrases Containing intimate
Kids Definition
intimate 1 of 3
verb
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-ˌmāt
intimated; intimating
: to say indirectly : hint at
She intimated that I should go.
intimate
2 of 3adjective
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-mət
1
: very personal or private
intimate thoughts
2
: marked by very close association
intimate friends
3
: suggesting closeness or warmth : cozy
an intimate restaurant
intimate
3 of 3noun
in·ti·mate ˈin-tə-mət
: a very close and trusted friend
intimated 1 of 2
adjective
as in hinted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- hinted
- insinuated
- suggested
- construed
- interpreted
- inferred
- presumed
- untold
- implied
- unsaid
- unannounced
- undeclared
- tacit
- unspoken
- unexpressed
- unvoiced
- implicit
- wordless
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stated
- explicit
- evident
- apparent
- obvious
- express
- expressed
- manifest
- spoken
- plain
- voiced
- straightforward
- unmistakable
- blatant
- unequivocal
- unambiguous
intimated
2 of 2verb
as in indicated
to convey an idea indirectly trying to intimate that there was more going on than anyone knew Synonyms & Similar Words
- indicated
- implied
- hinted
- suggested
- alluded
- referred
- inferred
- insinuated
- mentioned
- adverted
- signified
- signaled
- pointed
- signalled
- signalized
- smacked (of)
- smelt (of)
- smelled (of)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- announced
- declared
- proclaimed
- explained
- described
- elucidated
- delineated
- spelled out