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Definition of perfectnext
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perfect

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verb

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
Dmitriy Mazurov plays successful company director Gleb, whose seemingly perfect life starts to unravel amid the early days of Russia’s war in Ukraine, not necessarily due to the conflict but rather his suspicions that his wife (Iris Lebedeva) is having an affair. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 May 2026 There probably isn’t one perfect cookware material. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026
Verb
Fusion—uniting small atomic nuclei into larger ones—promises more abundant, cleaner energy once scientists perfect it. Faye Flam, Scientific American, 7 May 2026 Chicago burns at the time when the machinery to produce brick is perfected. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • At 5-foot-11, Fiebig possesses the ideal size.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • Florida is an ideal case study demonstrating that a conservative tax posture can promote household and business prosperity.
    Nicole Huyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • The unfussy style features a sleek silhouette, complete with a scoop neckline and a moderate-coverage bottom.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • Alison Ortega threw a complete game with seven strikeouts in La Mirada’s 5-1 win over La Habra.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • February 19 – March 20 A small change at home could make your whole body relax today.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • She was also slapped into another dimension by Jules (Hunter Schafer) after lobbing several insults at her about Jules’ whole sugar baby situation.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • Mark Teixeira homered from both sides of the plate and the New York Yankees finished a four-game sweep of Minnesota with a 7-6 victory.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • The council will vote for an interim mayor to finish the remainder of Lyles’ term, which ends in December 2027.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • That means repairing seawalls and bolstering shorelines, restoring wetlands, improving stormwater management and drainage, ensuring clean lakes, hardening infrastructure, and keeping homes and roadways out of the water.
    Anna V. Eskamani, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • Duffy said the administration sees AI as a way to reduce workload for controllers and improve efficiency across increasingly crowded airspace.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • Grace Todd, who collected her 100th career hit in a 3-for-4 day against Attleboro, plays a flawless second base and has at least nine multi-hit performances.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 19 May 2026
  • Since his high school years, Jordan has gone on to become regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time due to his flawless 6-0 record in the NBA Finals, his incomparable scoring dominance and his unmatched competitive drive.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • This news also positions IBM right at the absolute center of the domestic deep-tech landscape.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 22 May 2026
  • The distinction is not absolute.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Nonetheless, neither Cubans on the island or outside of the country may be inclined to accept a change in leadership that stops short of ousting the entire regime.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • Those who have ridden it before know Smugglers Run has always been responsive, perhaps too much so as inexperienced gamers could spend the entire attraction crashing the ship.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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