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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
Heather says the guide job was a perfect fit for her son, a natural people-person. Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 13 May 2026 Rhyne Howard chipped in 14 points and went a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line, showing toughness throughout the night. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 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
  • Virador Beach Club is a breezy indoor-outdoor Mediterranean spot by the beach, ideal for a casual but hearty meal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Willit Cargo Stretch Shorts Embrace the warm weather in these stretchy, water-resistant shorts that are ideal for a tropical vacation.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink All-day restaurant Pure serves up a sprawling breakfast buffet complete with omelette and pancake stations, heaving tropical fruit platters, and baked goods galore, including Polynesian treats like coconut bread.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • There was a sense of endings at St James’ Park; not definitive, not complete, but persuasive, a final home game for Kieran Trippier as a Newcastle player, and a feeble waft of farewell in the colour of claret.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • During the boom, many developers amassed huge debts, and the oversupply of housing led to whole ghost districts and empty projects in many places.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • That can make your coverage — and your loan as a whole — more expensive in the long run.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 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
  • Fu also stressed that more work needs to be done to boost domestic demand, urging businesses to improve their offerings to attract consumers.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • The Sparks fell to 1-3 (tied with Seattle for last place in the Western Conference) while Toronto improved to 2-2.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mushrooms muscle in for beef in a potent faux Bolognese; the hefty hempseed burger, crispy without and juicy within, is too tall to fit your mouth; and every piece of lettuce is flawless.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Shanto played an almost flawless innings and raised his sixth test half-century off 90 balls with a single to mid-off off Afridi.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are alternative routes for vessels if Malacca is blocked, meaning a closure could prove more of an inconvenience than an absolute barrier to trade.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • The Sabich case became an absolute sensation in the media, not just in America but also globally, and Longet was internationally labeled Aspen’s femme fatale.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to our models, when a massive, Population III star reaches the end of its life, its core collapses into a black hole, but the resulting supernova explosion isn’t energetic enough to blow the entire star apart.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
  • That doctor said Foxx had a brain bleed that had led to a stroke, the comedian said, and his sister continually prayed during his entire operation.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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