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
The world of the show isn’t perfect, but its characters are kind in the face of obstacles, and each half-hour arc bends reassuringly toward justice. — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 In his latest gem, Matthews was perfect into the sixth inning and allowed one run over 8 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and no walks. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Torque arrives early, with the bulk of the 406 lb-ft available from low engine speeds, and the SQ5 builds speed with the sort of effortless authority that expensive German machinery has perfected. — New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026 The team at Vienna Institute of Technology, led by physicist Thorsten Schumm, spent over 15 years perfecting the recipe for a crystal that could be used for a nuclear clock. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 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
  • Viewers should then position themselves on an ideal vantage point with a good view of the sky facing north, ideally as far away as possible from cities or other sources of bright lights.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The culturally rich locale is ideal for curious travelers who’ll connect around Tianjin's dynamic history of creative artistry in music, film, art, and design through Patina’s Perpetual Journey program.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Your practical instincts are useful, Virgo, but don’t arrive with the whole plan already laminated.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of whole
Verb
  • Van Gisbergen, the road-course ace with seven victories the past two seasons, finished 28th.
    — Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Murphy was a diminutive, formal woman of Irish birth who never finished grade school but had a great appetite for learning.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Kia's base model can feel a bit barebones, but upper trims feature plenty of creature comforts and tech enhancements that improve its driving and ownership experience.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • The color itself lasts all day—depositing flawless color wherever it’s placed.
    — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Giendry Ryan and Steven Felix were nearly flawless in relief with four strikeouts over the final three innings for the tiny island nation, which previously won the tournament in 2004.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of flawless
Adjective
  • Almost all have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This perfume features notes of cacao absolute and caramel, along with green hazelnut, jasmine sambac absolute, cedarwood, ambroxan, and moss providing a nutty and earthy element, too.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there’s a kind of hip, comfort food aspect to the entire enterprise that keeps it an easy, if slightly cluttered and overlong watch.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of entire

Browse Nearby Words

perennially
perfect
perfected
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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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