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imperfect

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce imperfect (audio)
Definition of imperfectnext
as in defective
having a fault an imperfect representation of the circumstances surrounding Paul Revere's famous ride

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 For years, software security operated on an imperfect but workable equilibrium. — Aaron Mitchell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 My profession requires me to operate in imperfect systems of care. — Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 It’s been carried by a wider move toward grunge finishes, natural makeup, deliberately imperfect beauty and makeup for tired eyes that leans in rather than covering up. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Pearls, for example, are showing up oversized, irregular and imperfect rather than small and uniform. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperfect
  1. defective
  2. bad
  3. flawed
Adjective
  • His neurologist decided the best way to put an end to this would be to cut out the defective part of his brain.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Improperly made or defective squishy toys can expose kids to lead, phthalates, and even asbestos.
    — Parents, Parents, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of defective
Adjective
  • The term, once confined to technical science papers, has gripped Silicon Valley, steered trillions of dollars in investment and fanned fears of human displacement, or worse.
    — George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That’s cool that people (liked it), but that’s bad ball security.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • What is left is the bond of a group of women who survived this beautifully flawed universe together, who leave behind twenty-plus years of laughter, chaos, and guilty pleasures for millions of people.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The defense told jurors prosecutors are relying on the salacious affair to prove its case, arguing the decision to charge the former worship leader stemmed from a flawed investigation, rush to judgment and lack of direct evidence.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of flawed

Browse Nearby Words

impercipient
imperfect
imperfection
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperfect. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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