intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈin-tə-mə-sē 

plural intimacies

1

: the state of being intimate : familiarity

2

: something of a personal or private nature

see also:

intimacy coordinator

Synonyms of intimacy

• familiarity
• belonging
• kinship
• friendship
• love

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

Acoustic wooden bafflers frame the space and help create a sense of intimacy, with grand works from local artists peppered about and instilling a tangible sense of place. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

There is humiliation here, claustrophobia, physical vulnerability and an intimacy that occasionally brushes against the erotic. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Each is interviewed separately, looking directly at us to burnish the intimacy. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

My favorite films in the fest so far can all be read as warm-hearted odes to human intimacy, intelligence, and grace. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intimacy

• intimacy coordinator

Kids Definition

intimacy

noun

in·​ti·​ma·​cy ˈint-ə-mə-sē 

plural intimacies

1

: the state of being intimate

2

: something of a personal or private nature

shared little intimacies in their letters