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

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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
Sorkin writes very rhythmic dialogue that is meant to be delivered note-perfect down to the comma. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Torres was a perfect 11 of 11 passing for 224 yards and a touchdown. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
Mother Nature spent millions of years perfecting the maple seed’s gentle spiral to the forest floor and the fish’s swift flick through open water. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026 For nearly a half-century, Sujoy Guha has worked to perfect a male contraceptive. — Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 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
  • As with any important Christie’s exhibition, an accompanying catalog makes for the ideal souvenir.
    — Tanya Dukes, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But Johansson, who’s served as a campaign star for Prada in the past, used her dress as the ideal canvas for her statement jewelry.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • For more than 50 years, the house remained vacant, was ravaged by fire, and fell into complete disrepair.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Then again, the album’s 15-minute runtime presupposes a complete lasting impression isn’t the point.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Her interest seems to be the whole world, or at least the way her nation’s tentacles spread into it.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The directive bars brands from turning a benefit tied to one feature into an environmental claim about the whole product.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of whole
Verb
  • The image is then precision-fabricated into a 3D model that’s finished by hand — all for $2,200, about the national average of an actual wedding gown.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Chocolate moelleux and tropical sorbet, both elevated with a flavoured crumble (cardamom and lime, respectively) finished off the meal with a satisfying hit of sweetness.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • Neutrinos bump into other particles only rarely, so scientists build large detectors to improve their odds of catching collisions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But experts are not optimistic that the additional supply will improve refined product availability and temper prices in the long run.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • Small details are attended to with flawless execution—when the night is chilly, blankets appear at the dinner table; housekeeping and pool maintenance is timed so as not to interfere with your presence; transfers and shuttles are booked with ease.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Not every film was flawless, but few actors have ever had a stronger run of hits.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of flawless
Adjective
  • But a low percentage of a rapidly expanding population still produces a rising number of older adults in absolute terms, and that number may continue to rise as the residents who arrived during the past two decades of growth age in place.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Closures should be an absolute last resort — not a response to short-term budget or enrollment pressures.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • Brands need to decide which trends resonate, which ones make sense to capitalize on and make a new product launch or an entire franchise and which to let go and pass over.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This phone’s standout feature is the adjustable privacy display, which can hide your entire screen, or just portions of it, from onlookers and strangers.
    — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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