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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

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
So, with no job and no support from literally anyone (except Susie, a ray of perfect roomie sunshine), Margo looks to strangers on OnlyFans for help. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 Blakely and Miranda-Harris each recorded multiple perfect 10s this season. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
My sister, Louise, had spent hours perfecting the screechy, imperious cry of Starscream, only to use it when phoning the takeaway and ordering curry sauce and chips. Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 According to reports, such clocks will not render GPS redundant, but will help reduce reliance on such systems if perfected. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • And Aniston’s aviator sunglasses are the ideal blend of retro and iconic.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Cleaning professional Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade, says vodka is an ideal cleaning agent for sanitizing wooden cutting boards.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • No patio is complete without some decorative accessories, according to Kerith Flynn, the founder of Margali & Flynn Designs.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026
  • On the other end, the Rockets were a complete mess, dissolving in two whining technical fouls in the third quarter that sealed their fate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bischoff found the whole situation bizarre.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Attempts to engage with restless residents who worried about where the whole effort was headed.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Up next Both teams finish the regular season at home on Wednesday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • English finished tied for 30th (-1), while Harmon finished tied for 33rd (+1).
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At the time of Jaxon’s death, the county was nearing the end of an 18-month corrective action plan aimed at improving oversight and safety within the system.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The new Lewis House will improve inclusivity and accessibility features supporting people of all physical abilities, genders and cultural practices.
    Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An imposing ship built to wage war docked in San Diego on Saturday morning in the name of peace and human exploration, delivering the capsule that Artemis II astronauts rode to a flawless landing a day earlier.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • His vocals, at least, were warm and flawless, though.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Arte Moreno and his then team president, John Carpino, were the absolute leaders in advocating that MLB needed to be as financially fan friendly as possible.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The growth was like an absolute vertical learning curve.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The truth of those words is manifest in the myriad structures from the Mughal era (1526–1857) that have survived for centuries after the fall of the empire, which at its height stretched across nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026
  • How does Wembanyama handle Donovan Clingan — a player who will undoubtedly meet the fight above the rim and wrestle him for position all night long — for an entire series?
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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