perfect 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
Definition of perfectnext
1
as in ideal
being entirely without fault or flaw a stunningly perfect performance—not the slightest mistake—won her the gold medal in women's figure skating

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complete
having no exceptions or restrictions living in perfect happiness in the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in whole
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it I have a perfect recollection of that conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perfect

2 of 2

verb

pər-ˈfekt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
1
as in to complete
to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done perfected the arrangements for their long-awaited European vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to improve
to make better an art teacher who seems to believe that you can always perfect a painting with some additional brush strokes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word perfect distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of perfect are entire, intact, and whole. While all these words mean "not lacking or faulty in any particular," 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

In what contexts can entire take the place of perfect?

In some situations, the words entire and perfect are roughly equivalent. However, entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

When is it sensible to use intact instead of perfect?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfect, intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

When could whole be used to replace perfect?

While the synonyms whole and perfect are close in meaning, 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 perfect
Adjective
Noticing the tens of tons of melons left behind after harvest since they are not deemed retail-worthy, in 2024 the partners began work on transforming these less-than-perfect melons into bags. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026 Following a perfect phone-cleaning routine Yes, your phone is dirty. — Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
While players still take batting practice like any other baseball team, Stancato holds rehearsals to perfect their dance moves, often drawing inspiration from what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram. — Chris Placek, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Whitey’s Jolly Kone has spent decades perfecting every menu item and the proof is in the flavor. — Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
  1. ideal
  2. complete
  3. whole
  4. finish
  5. improve
  6. flawless
  7. absolute
  8. entire
Adjective
  • On the day of the fire, Farinacci was aware Spokane County was under a red flag warning and conditions were ideal to start a fire, according to Drapeau.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • At seven tenths behind first place, her situation wasn’t ideal.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • Howard County initially approved permits for the project but revoked them in February 2026, when construction was nearly complete.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • When mortgage defaults started going up, the whole system began to unwind.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Could the network use the money saved from that to buy the handful of new games from a 20-team field and keep the whole thing?
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of whole
Verb
  • Tyler Holton pitched a perfect 10th for his second save as the Tigers finished 7-2 on a three-city trip to the West Coast.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In Helaena’s room, Rhaenyra finds a tapestry Helaena had just finished sewing that predicts a dark and fiery end for Rhaenyra in the future.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • At 28 years old, the sizeable outlay on the Brazilian midfielder continues Arsenal’s ploy of spending big money on players who can immediately improve their first team.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Some activists remain positive that more staffers at shelters will improve conditions, but others argue the money should go straight to the animals through food, enrichment and supplies instead of wages.
    — Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Most glaring is the disparity between the top-tier clinical protocols and the logistics, which are more hapless than flawless.
    — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Their skin is flawless, their cheeks rosy, their bodies unmarked by the forces of gravity or physical strain.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of flawless
Adjective
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart, having the absolute time of her life, allows the cool persona she’s cultivated across the modern indie scene to give way to an insecure brattiness that’s wonderfully refreshing.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • As a result of her refusal, the entire kingdom is cursed to live without love and anyone who steps foot inside it is also cursed.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Monday's meeting will be open to the entire church body, both sides said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire

Browse Nearby Words

perennially
perfect
perfected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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