intimacy
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for intimacy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A feeling of closeness, warmth, and openness with another person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use intimacy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
emotional intimacy
physical intimacy
a sense of intimacy
Etymology
From intimate plus the noun suffix -cy.
Full origin of intimacy →Frequently asked questions
What does “intimacy” mean?
The word “intimacy” means a feeling of closeness, warmth, and openness with another person. In plain terms, closeness — emotional, physical, or both — shared with another person.
How do you pronounce “intimacy”?
“Intimacy” is pronounced IHN-tih-muh-see (/ˈɪn.tɪ.mə.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “intimacy” in a sentence?
Here is “intimacy” used in a sentence: “Years of marriage had built a deep intimacy between them.”
What is the opposite of “intimacy”?
The opposite of “intimacy” — its antonyms — is solitude.
What part of speech is “intimacy”?
“Intimacy” is a noun.
Is “intimacy” a common word?
“Intimacy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between intimacy and closeness?
Intimacy specifically describes a feeling of closeness, warmth, and openness with another person, often implying a deeper emotional connection than general closeness. Closeness can describe physical proximity or a milder degree of connection, while intimacy usually implies mutual trust and emotional openness between people.
Is intimacy always romantic or physical?
No, intimacy can describe emotional closeness in friendships and family relationships as well as romantic partnerships, since it fundamentally refers to a feeling of warmth and openness rather than a specific type of relationship. The word is used both for deep emotional bonds and, in some contexts, for physical closeness between partners.
What helps build intimacy in a relationship?
Intimacy tends to develop through shared vulnerability, consistent trust, open communication, and spending meaningful time together, since the word describes a feeling of closeness and openness rather than a single action. Because intimacy is built gradually, it typically strengthens over repeated positive interactions rather than forming instantly.
