as in defective
having a fault
an imperfect representation of the circumstances surrounding Paul Revere's famous ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 imperfect
Awards are imperfect and often get it wrong.
—
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
That loop — imperfect at first, refined over years — builds skill.
—Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
There were some imperfect moments, though.
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
My approach is not that of an inquisitor, as Appiah charges, but merely that of a historian, trying to understand the fascinating shape of a profound yet imperfect historical text.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, The New York Review of Books, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
That loop — imperfect at first, refined over years — builds skill.
—Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
There were some imperfect moments, though.
—Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
My approach is not that of an inquisitor, as Appiah charges, but merely that of a historian, trying to understand the fascinating shape of a profound yet imperfect historical text.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, The New York Review of Books, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
Adjective
-
People with too few or defective Treg cells often develop autoimmune diseases, where unchecked immune cells mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues or organs.—
Mitzi Nagarkatti,
The Conversation,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Consumers can return defective products to the retailer of purchase for a full refund.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The rapid escalation of trade tensions sank US stocks on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recorded their worst day since April.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Investors are eyeing a stock market rebound after Friday’s trade war flare-up sent the S&P 500 to its worst loss since April.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, the Jays were an obviously flawed team this season.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
-
That can mean stories of women being powerful, flawed, beautiful, ugly, mothers and professionals.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperfect. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share