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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
That’s why Rogers’ goals were perfect for this perspective. Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Nothing is perfect for everyone. Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Some recipes take many tries to perfect (Giant Cinnamon Bun). Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Feb. 2026 Honed and perfected by decades of cooking, entertaining, and teaching, these are 10 of Martha’s favorite recipes. Jennifer Anderson, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • In the heart of it all, the open-air Art Park is a destination in itself, ideal for leisurely walks, bike rides, or a picnic lunch on the grass.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The conditions were ideal and scores reflected that on the second day of the 100th edition of a tournament that is still up for grabs, with 22 players within nine shots of the lead.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Wellness travelers, style mavens and creative types, will love the hotel’s spa-like vibe (not to mention its actual, 25,000-square-foot spa, complete with a spacious gym and indoor heated pool), contemporary design, and attention to detail.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Rivera’s cousin, Shyann Camacho, 26, told the Daily News that the killing came as a complete shock.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole mountain rumbles when an avalanche rolls off it.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • So if a whole section of inventory is suddenly discounted?
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Jordyn Brooks finished first in the long jump (17 feet, 11¾ inches).
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Long story short, a teenaged Bolles was on a grueling mountain hike with his troop, and his elders challenged him to finish the darn thing.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Potential projects will demonstrate ways to improve energy utilization, process efficiency and manufacturing throughput to ensure a steady supply of extreme environment materials for industrial markets and federal agencies, according to the details available.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Reserve Jacari White led six players in double figures with 17 points for the Cavaliers (24-3, 12-2 ACC), who improved to 13-1 at home and beat the Hurricanes for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Upgrade to brushes that deliver a flawless, streak-free makeup application.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • For most of the night, the Jayhawks were flawless in forcing Houston’s guards into hard shots and keeping star freshman Kingston Flemings from getting into the paint or hitting his patented pull-up jumper.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sofia Vergara kept tan lines to the absolute minimum during an impromptu sunbathing session on Friday morning.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The absolute security that George felt about his own social position, plus some liberal impulse stirring within him, led him to want to take down the barriers that the Mardi Gras krewes—social organizations of immense prestige—had erected against Jews, at least on behalf of the Lemanns.
    Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In Minnesota, federal prosecutors have filed 35 cases in December and January, compared to just nine during Biden’s entire four-year term.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
  • There are 11 transfers on the roster, including the entire eight-man rotation from Tuesday night.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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