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perfect

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verb

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a perfect fit
a precise fit
a great fit
an excellent fit
an optimal fit
perfect health
spotless health
flawless health
pristine health
impeccable health
exemplary health
a perfect world
an ideal world
a flawless world
a pure world
a better world
an optimal world
perfect condition
pristine condition
flawless condition
spotless condition
immaculate condition
impeccable condition

Synonym Chooser

How is the word perfect distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of perfect are entire, intact, and whole. While all these words 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

In what contexts can entire take the place of perfect?

In some situations, the words entire and perfect are roughly equivalent. However, entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

When is it sensible to use intact instead of perfect?

While in some cases nearly identical to perfect, intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

When could whole be used to replace perfect?

While the synonyms whole and perfect are close in meaning, whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained.

felt like a whole person again after vacation

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 perfect
Adjective
We were saved, but Ioved that scouting, because the scouting was perfect. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 May 2025 Lightweight pants offer a breezy, stylish alternative—perfect for keeping cool without ever reaching for a pair of shorts. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
Verb
The company continues to perfect its craft with incredibly light yet strong timepieces made from Super Titanium™, a next-generation material strengthened with the brand’s proprietary DURATECT™ surface-hardening technology, setting new industry standards in both resilience and elegance. Outside Online, 16 May 2025 Rather than perfecting your offering, launch a basic version quickly to test market response. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • The linen fabric is lightweight and ideal for hot weather, and the side pockets are a bonus, too.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • We are blessed with the ideal conditions for homeowners to save money on our electricity bills, and increase our property values, by installing rooftop solar.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even worse, the only salmon for sale with the butcher counter closed is a $50 whole side of salmon—leaving me to sub in some pretty inexpensive pork chops instead, five chops for a mere $5.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025
  • At the time, my whole identity was wrapped up in the quality of the moment.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Leadership Northwest Indiana program completed The Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest recently graduated its 2024-25 Leadership Northwest Indiana program cohort.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • After a double by Aliyah Binford and infield single by Lexie Brady put runners at the corners, Ole Miss successfully completed a double steal.
    Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The program seeks to tackle the issue through nutrition, physical activity, cutting back on medications and improving food and drug quality and safety.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • For example, Tencent is using AI to improve ad targeting and boost user engagement in games, Lau noted.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even though the interior usually remains hidden (the chassis isn't a transparent-sided wonder), Falcon's cable management is flawless.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • Opt for this Laura Geller powder foundation to keep your skin matte and flawless on hot and sticky days.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • The layers of fealty, love and the grinding terror of war are absolute perfection.
    Caitlin Starling, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • The company’s long-term target is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2050, based on a 2022 baseline.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Around 5,000 buildings were destroyed in St. Louis alone, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said in a post on X. Buildings and cars were destroyed, homes are missing entire walls and upper levels of houses and buildings are gone, photos of the disaster show.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The steno keyboard is specially designed to press multiple keys at once to capture entire syllables or words in a single stroke.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfect

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