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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
Early trials in Australia and Canada showed a perfect success rate for insertion of the gel’s delivery device, according to the company. Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026 From risotto arancini to rich Italian hot chocolate, these cozy dishes are perfect for a winter gathering at home. Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
Aside from that game, the Warriors have been close to perfect in league while the Lions have left some points out on the pitch. Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 29 Jan. 2026 Asked about potentially banning the style of QB sneak perfected (to an extent) by the Philadelphia Eagles, those who participated in our anonymous annual survey were overwhelmingly pro-tush push. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • Coming off one of their most lopsided defeats of the season, the Celtics capitalized on an ideal get-right opportunity Friday night.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Chris Waugh Nottingham Forest Matty Cash Remembering that the brief was ‘ideal’ signing, rather than one that is likely to happen, there would be a lot of logic to Nottingham Forest resurrecting their summer interest in one of their academy graduates.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hivemind enables defense systems to sense, decide, and act, allowing autonomous platforms to adapt to dynamic environments, avoid threats, and complete missions without human intervention.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The agency said the case will be handed over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for review once the probe is complete.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Cyrus also wore leather driving gloves, in keeping with the whole fashion biker vibe, and oversized sunglasses.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026
  • School’s closed, the roads in our neighborhood are shut down due to snow, difficult news keeps rolling in, and the whole world feels heavy.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But one accolade missing from their long list of achievements is Olympic ice dance gold, having finished just off the podium in fourth in Beijing.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • After interviewing for multiple head coaching jobs this month, McDaniel agreed to join Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers, who finished their second straight 11-6 season under their veteran head coach with another playoff exit in the wild-card round.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kiki Rice had 17 points and seven assists and Lauren Betts scored 16 points as the Bruins (21-1, 11-0 Big Ten) remained the only undefeated team in conference play while improving to 10-0 at home.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Next, the researchers aim to improve their technique further, with the goal of predicting not only when solar activity will intensify, but also where on the sun’s surface active regions are likely to form.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sabalenka’s semifinal was nearly flawless except for one loose service game early in the second set that handed Svitolina a brief break.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The stock reflects a flawless execution scenario, with limited leeway for mistakes in light of challenges from China and modest short-term growth.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The weight of Kelly’s control over Landfair’s life was absolute.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There have been countless examples of bizarre true crimes dramatized for television, but this is a particularly strong entry, anchored by a trio of great performances (Christina Hendricks makes an absolute meal out of her supporting role).
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s an entire mindset switch, a complete flip between working as an individual contributor and becoming a leader or manager.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For the previous ten seconds, a huge green piece of a caterpillar roll had required the curator’s entire attention.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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