perfection

noun

per·​fec·​tion pər-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce perfection (audio)
Synonyms of perfectionnext
1
: the quality or state of being perfect: such as
a
: freedom from fault or defect : flawlessness
b
c
: the quality or state of being saintly
2
a
: an exemplification of supreme excellence
b
: an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence
3
: the act or process of perfecting

Examples of perfection in a Sentence

She has achieved a rare perfection in her playing. His poetry is pure perfection.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
People respond to perspective, not perfection. William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Done well, a Sunday reset is less about perfection and more about a handful of repeatable habits that compound across the week. Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 Such pretensions to perfection are partly what make AI dangerous. Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Chicagoans are not asking for perfection. Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perfeccioun, from Anglo-French perfection, from Latin perfection-, perfectio, from perficere

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfection was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perfection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfection. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

perfection

noun
per·​fec·​tion pər-ˈfek-shən How to pronounce perfection (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being perfect
2
: a perfect quality or thing
3
: a degree of accuracy or excellence that cannot be bettered
cooked to perfection
4
: the act or process of perfecting

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