perfect

adjective

per·fect | \ ˈpər-fikt

Definition of perfect

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : being entirely without fault or defect : flawless a perfect diamond

b : satisfying all requirements : accurate

c : corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept a perfect gentleman

d : faithfully reproducing the original specifically : letter-perfect

e : legally valid

2 : expert, proficient practice makes perfect

3a : pure, total

b : lacking in no essential detail : complete

c obsolete : sane

d : absolute, unequivocal enjoys perfect happiness

e : of an extreme kind : unmitigated a perfect brat an act of perfect foolishness

4 obsolete : mature

5 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or verbal that expresses an action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of

6 obsolete

a : certain, sure

b : contented, satisfied

7 of a musical interval : belonging to the consonances unison, fourth, fifth, and octave which become augmented or diminished when raised or lowered by a half step

8a : sexually mature and fully differentiated a perfect insect

b : having both stamens and pistils in the same flower a perfect flower

perfect

verb

per·fect | \ pər-ˈfekt also ˈpər-fikt

perfected; perfecting; perfects

Definition of perfect (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to bring to final form

2 : to make perfect : improve, refine

perfect

noun

per·fect | \ ˈpər-fikt

Definition of perfect (Entry 3 of 3)

: the perfect tense of a language also : a verb form in the perfect tense

Other Words from perfect Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about perfect

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Choose the Right Synonym for perfect

Adjective

perfect, whole, entire, intact 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 whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained. felt like a whole person again after vacation entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing. the entire Beethoven corpus intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state. the boat survived the storm intact

Examples of perfect in a Sentence

Adjective

He drew a perfect circle. She's a perfect baby. She hardly cries and she sleeps through the night. His behavior is a perfect example of what not to do. This is a perfect time to have a wedding. Going to the museum was a perfect way to spend a rainy day. “Is that a big enough piece of pie?” “Yes, it's perfect, thanks.”

Verb

perfected the arrangements for their long-awaited European vacation an art teacher who seems to believe that you can always perfect a painting with some additional brush strokes

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Greek yogurt and honey add the perfect balance to top the of juicy and tart citrus. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Red Citrus Salad with Berries, Pears and Pomegranates," 9 Jan. 2019 From a cookbook put together by artists, gallerists, curators and more, this recipe is perfect for a party snack or just to eat happily all by yourself. — Bethany Jean Clement, The Seattle Times, "Demoralized Mushroom Spread: a recipe from the Northwest arts community cookbook called ‘Cook’," 12 Dec. 2018 The relaxed sweater is perfect for lounging around the house, running errands, or hanging out with friends and family. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Pinterest Says Popcorn Sweaters Are the Biggest Trend This Christmas," 7 Dec. 2018 With either three or four bedrooms, the residences are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together who want that extra bit of privacy without compromising comfort, space or views. — Lindsay Silberman, Town & Country, "The Best Room At...Six Senses Zil Pasyon," 13 Nov. 2018 Gisele Bündchen is challenging the myth that she's lived a picture-perfect supermodel life. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Gisele Bündchen Reveals She Had Severe Panic Attacks During Her Modeling Career," 27 Sep. 2018 The range takes inspiration from the classic fairytales, updating them with a modern red carpet twist, which makes them perfect for wearing IRL. — Jasmine Ting, Good Housekeeping, "Disney and ColourPop Are Releasing the Most Magical Makeup Line," 21 Sep. 2018 Your outfit has to be fly and your Instas showing off that outfit have to be perfect. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Super-Hot Outfits Perfect for Your Next Concert," 28 Dec. 2018 More details from the wedding: Miley got married in a flowy Vivienne Westwood dress that's perfect for her funky-yet-chic aesthetic. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus Confirm It: They Totally Got Married," 27 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

George and Charlotte have officially perfected their wedding antics. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Princess Charlotte and Prince George Stole the Show at Yet Another Wedding This Weekend," 23 Sep. 2018 Here, the agency could perfect life support systems and conduct exploration missions that would give NASA the confidence to put space boots on Mars. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "Maybe NASA's Next Space Station Doesn't Need the Astronauts," 6 Sep. 2018 Luckily, there is more than one way to fix a phone, ranging from passable to perfect. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How To Repair a Cracked Phone Screen," 28 Dec. 2018 Airlines feel the need to perfect that performance and the pressure often comes down on gate agents. — Aditi Shrikant, Vox, "Why airlines make you check your carry-on bags," 20 Dec. 2018 Accompanied by her hairstylist Ken Paves en route to the show, VB documented her quickie transformation and revealed that actual scissors were on hand during the journey to perfect her PCAs look. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Ken Paves Cut Victoria Beckham's Hair on the Way to the People's Choice Awards," 12 Nov. 2018 Showalter reiterated Britton is one of the best closers in baseball and still is working to perfect his delivery after going nearly nine months between major league appearances. — Peter Schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles notes: Chance Sisco and Yefry Ramírez recalled in latest episode of rostermania," 28 June 2018 Curbing car use, making cities more walkable, and perfecting public transit are common goals for many cities, but exactly how to execute on these ideals isn’t a given. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "The future of urban mobility will be shaped by these six issues," 18 Dec. 2018 As their family grew, their traditions were changed and perfected. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Vanessa Lachey Shares Why She And Nick Lachey Made All New Christmas Traditions Together," 12 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

What made Darnold’s debut perfect was its beginning. — Jason Gay, WSJ, "The Jets May Be Good. This Is Bad.," 13 Sep. 2018 In the past, the tech company, owned by Japan’s SoftBank Group, has released videos showing its robots climbing stairs, executing perfect back flips and opening doors with shocking facility. — Peter Holley, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Dynamics posts video of jogging humanoid robot that scares the internet," 11 May 2018 The glittery finish will hide imperfections, so no need to stress about making the blue coat perfect. — Megan Inayoshi, Good Housekeeping, "Good Housekeeping Institute," 2 Dec. 2013 But what drew Sellars to the material was how the history and drama mixed into a tale perfect for his medium of choice. — Paul Ross, Popular Mechanics, "I Am Become Opera: An Atomic Show In the Shadow of Los Alamos," 27 July 2018 Luke Combs has the kind of rich, deep powerhouse voice perfect for a rowdy late-night roadhouse, which also served him well in grabbing the attention of fans early in the evening during his hour-long opening set. — Erik Ernst, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Blake Shelton may have gone Hollywood, but he shows at Summerfest that he's still country," 6 July 2018 Trick of the trade: Reiman perfects skin with Clé de Peau's concealer and a mix of Dinair and Temptu airbrush foundations. — Jamie Rosen, Town & Country, "Prep Squad: Bridal Hair & Makeup," 20 Nov. 2013 Home to the famous 17-Mile Drive, the picture-perfect Highway 1, and, of course, Big Sur, the area certainly has no shortage of epic drives and rides. — Annie Daly, SELF, "12 Beautiful Biking Destinations You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List," 18 July 2018 They are built to be played and replayed as the player seeks the perfect, most thrilling, most ridiculous kill. — Julie Muncy, Ars Technica, "Hitman 2 review: Accessible stealth oozing with style," 16 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perfect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for perfect

perfect

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of perfect

(Entry 1 of 2)

: having no mistakes or flaws

: completely correct or accurate

: having all the qualities you want in that kind of person, situation, etc.

perfect

verb

English Language Learners Definition of perfect (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make (something good) perfect or better

See the full definition for perfect in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perfect

adjective

per·fect | \ ˈpər-fikt

Kids Definition of perfect

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : having no mistake or flaw a perfect plan a perfect diamond

2 : satisfying all requirements It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

3 : thoroughly skilled or trained : meeting the highest standards a perfect performance

4 : total entry 1 sense 3 perfect silence

perfect

verb

per·fect | \ pər-ˈfekt

perfected; perfecting

Kids Definition of perfect (Entry 2 of 2)

: to improve (something) so that it has no flaws

perfect

adjective

per·fect | \ ˈpər-fikt

Legal Definition of perfect

(Entry 1 of 2)

: entirely without fault or defect: as

a : satisfying all requirements failed to make perfect tender

b : free from any valid legal objection : valid and effective at law having perfect title to the property — compare imperfect

perfect

transitive verb

per·fect | \ pər-ˈfekt

Legal Definition of perfect (Entry 2 of 2)

: to complete or put in final conformity with the law: as

a : to make (an appeal) ready for transfer to an appeals court by satisfying procedural requirements

b : to put (one's security interest) in a position or status having priority over subsequently perfected security interests or unperfected security interests by taking statutorily prescribed steps to give notice especially by filing a financing statement or taking possession of the collateral was the first creditor to perfect its security interest in the debtor's collateral, and, thus, was the first in priority for the collateral — Commercial Bank v. Pride Furniture, Inc., 877 P.2d 1222 (1994) — compare attach sense 3

intransitive verb

: to make something (as a security interest) complete, in conformity with the law, or valid against third-party claims