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
This 6-acre trail along the Boise River is filled with spooky scares perfect for an evening Halloween activity. — Hali Smith october 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026 The touchdown pass happened during a trick play, in which quarterback Fletch Palmer handed the ball to Adrian Petero, who lateraled the ball back to Palmer, who threw a perfect spiral down the middle to Mosley. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
For Caruso, perfecting the OS means strengthening how value flows back to publishers and TV manufacturers. — Travis Clark, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 For more than 70 years, Mexico’s powerful Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) perfected a key political transaction. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 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
  • Under ideal conditions, electrons are slowed in their passage through the electron transport chain just enough that their energy can be transferred.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike ideal simulations, which assume quantum operations can be performed without errors, the new work models the disturbances that physical quantum processors encounter during calculations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • Great part was my wife was in complete symphony on it instantly, and that actually was a wonderful bonding moment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With just more than a third of the season complete, the Rams are 2-4.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of complete
Adjective
  • Japanese denim makers curate for customers eager to stand out from the crowd, and that has taken on a whole new meaning in the era of monotonous algorithmic recommendations and AI slop.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For many residents, uncertainties over the timeline have only added to their anxiety, while experts say the whole process seems far behind schedule.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of whole
Verb
  • Founder Marty Odlin told me the company had not finished developing sensors and methods to reliably measure key properties such as pH and dissolved inorganic carbon.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The two sides reworked Norvell’s deal in December 2024 after the Seminoles finished 2-10 in the program’s worst season in 50 years.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of finish
Verb
  • The performance of hydrocarbons must be considered as part of a wider system that is simultaneously scaling clean electricity input and improving efficiency across the value chain.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In comparison, 58% say state and local governments improve their lives, while 56% say the same of businesses and 77% of charitable and advocacy groups.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of improve
Adjective
  • For this application, precise fit and utility matter more than a flawless cosmetic finish.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Our goal is to perfectly complement Paramount Pictures’ cinematic vision and Caruso’s beautiful retail destination by delivering a flawless, high-end guest experience.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of flawless
Adjective
  • Why were the conspiracy theorists about Courtney Love so inclined to believe the absolute worst about her?
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson was an absolute fantasy monster with Harrison off the field last season, so his main concern becomes the inevitable QB switch to rookie Carson Beck.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of absolute
Adjective
  • Larsson has missed practice time and the final three preseason games because of his illness, and Smith missed the entire preseason after straining his calf during training camp.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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