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

Given the national debate on immigration, the timing is perfect. — Inga Saffron, https://www.inquirer.com, "This building on the Delaware River saved immigrant lives for 95 years. Now it’s been rescued by Tinicum Twp. | Inga Saffron," 4 June 2019 Orlando Pride centerback Shelina Zadorsky’s journey to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup wasn’t perfect. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Shelina Zadorsky fired up for long-awaited World Cup debut with Canada," 4 June 2019 Senior Zoe Prouty was a perfect 6-0 on the year, and junior Julia Youman had a fantastic changeup. — Steve Reaven, chicagotribune.com, "So close: OPRF softball falls just short of 4A sectional crown," 4 June 2019 Kevin Pope was posthumously celebrated during a 5th-grade graduation ceremony May 22 at Wetherbee Elementary, during which his parents accepted his awards for perfect attendance, most improved and best math student. — Michael Williams, orlandosentinel.com, "Donors help family offer $5K reward for info leading to driver who killed 10-year-old Kevin Pope," 4 June 2019 The two tools work together like the perfect crime duo. — Alyssa Newcomb, Fortune, "Hackers Can Now Bypass Two-Factor Authentication With a New Kind of Phishing Scam," 4 June 2019 The goal is to create well-rounded classes, not just perfect grades and test scores. — Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, "How do you like them apples? Celebrity South Florida students headed to Harvard," 4 June 2019 To watch the comings and goings in the harbor, my favorite spot is the Seaport Grille, which has an outside deck and perfect fish tacos. — James R. Carroll, USA TODAY, "Cape Ann, Massachusetts: A charming alternative to Cape Cod with sandy beaches and fried clams," 3 June 2019 Vestavia Hills completed a perfect season and won a second straight AHSAA Class 7A girls soccer championship this season. — Josh Bean | Jbean@al.com, al.com, "Meet the 2019 coaches Super All-State girls soccer team," 3 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Over the years, the vocalist and dancer has perfected his craft and his work ethic has paid off because Jimin is more than just rich. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "BTS Member Jimin's Net Worth Is Enough To Send The ARMY Screaming," 23 May 2019 Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell perfected the wing by first adding a dash of black liquid liner and then placing the bright hue (likely the work of Fenty Beauty's newest formula) directly on top. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Sophie Turner's Cool-Girl Makeup Is Straight Out of Winterfell," 15 May 2019 Amal, a highly esteemed human rights lawyer, has perfected her fresh and professional personal style. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Amal Clooney's Boho Chic Airport Style Has Us Ready for Summer," 14 May 2019 To really perfect the experience, add shrimp, sausage, corn, and red potatoes to your boil. — Diana Oates, Condé Nast Traveler, "20 Best Restaurants in Houston," 1 Oct. 2018 But counterfeiters have perfected their techniques, making it much harder to figure out whether an item is genuine. — Detroit Free Press Staff, Detroit Free Press, "Is that handbag designer or fake? Now there's an app for that," 7 June 2018 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ciara (@ciara) on May 6, 2019 at 4:28pm PDT The man who perfected her texture is none other wig maker Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, who has over 21 years of experience in the hair industry. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "I Live for Ciara's Larger Than Life Afro at the 2019 Met Gala," 7 May 2019 Chanel is also a slick business that perfected a strategy known as category segregation: offering very expensive pieces alongside cheaper items under the same label. — Andrea Felsted, The Seattle Times, "Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy is more than just Chanel suits," 19 Feb. 2019 The brick red shade is almost burgundy and perfect for the girl who likes a red lip, but not too bold. — Asia Milia Ware, Teen Vogue, "This New Beauty Brand Named Its Lipsticks After Iconic Black Women," 26 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Her snappy patter notwithstanding, Newbury is a complex character as well, revealing a more human side in her relationship with low-key husband Walter Lovell (a letter-perfect John Lithgow), an individual who is honest with her no matter what. — Kenneth Turan, latimes.com, "Review: Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson make ‘Late Night’ a great night," 4 June 2019 Shop Amal's Sunshine Yellow Crochet Dress Clooney's glam was just as picture-perfect as her outfit. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Amal Clooney's Boho Chic Airport Style Has Us Ready for Summer," 14 May 2019 Total Expert Score: 84/100 | Consumer Score: 90% give it 4 stars or higher A truly pocketable point-and-shoot perfect for staying connected while traveling. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "The 10 Best Compact Digital Cameras for Capturing Your Adventures," 17 Apr. 2019 The Instagram announcing their engagement is pretty picture-perfect, from Rodriguez’s boyish grin to Lopez’s surprised gasp, all illuminated by the warm glow of the sky behind them. — Vogue, "There’s a Reason Why Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez’s Engagement Instagram Was So Perfect," 17 Apr. 2019 Fit: The nation’s leading passer last year, Rudolph, like Falk, ran into some adversity against the defenses that were athletic enough to neutralize the advantages of a wide-open offense and forced him to be letter-perfect with every throw. — Eric Single, SI.com, "Breaking Down Peter King's NFL Draft Destinations for 2017's Top QBs," 20 Feb. 2018 Gibson & Dehn Norway Spruce Candle, $38, gibsonanddehn.com A candle perfect for cuffing season! — Vogue, "Get Ahead of the Registry: 20 Gift Ideas for Your Newly Engaged Friend," 16 Nov. 2018 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

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