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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
This classic Italian-American restaurant dish is layered, indulgent and perfect for red-sauce lovers. Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 Three of the airport’s four terminals have perfect five-star ratings, while Terminal 1 has four and a half stars. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
But Senate Democrats in recent months have perfected the strategy of pointlessly running this tactic into the ground. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 And going close to perfect on the PK in the series isn’t out of the question. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 18 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
  • The gold vermeil, which is sterling silver finished in 24-karat gold, is $230, and there’s a sterling silver version for $200.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Thanks to your favorite multi-cooker, this orange soup comes together from start to finish in just 45 minutes.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 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
  • For a flawless finish—up to a week of chip-free wear—apply two thin coats followed by your favorite top coat.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
  • His escape route was wild, his execution was flawless and he was never seen again.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 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
  • Wemby likely won’t miss the entire series with a concussion, but Portland has a great opportunity to put the Spurs in a hole with two home games coming up.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Smaller, independent businesses often have more flexibility to source locally, and your dollars are more likely to circulate through an entire regional supply chain instead of reinforcing national ones.
    Maryam Ahmed, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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