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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
The recently refreshed lakeside pool makes for a perfect place to cool off after a hard day’s work of vacationing, and the on-site bakery is the spot for coffee and a treat. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 May 2026 June, we’re told, has long wanted to infiltrate the Aunt Lydia School, and Daisy is a perfect candidate. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Verb
Brembo fit its kit on to bicycles for Specialized's Gravity Team last year ahead of the UCI MTB World Series to put it through its paces and perfect it. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026 The pool is large and surrounded by windows that let in plenty of natural light; the same is true of the fitness center, featuring Technogym machines and a team of personal trainers who can help perfect your form. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • The ideal time to hunt for shooting stars comes during the predawn hours of May 6, when the radiant will be at its highest above the eastern horizon.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
  • Growing herbs in pots is ideal for poor soil, wet climates, or controlling spreading plants like mint.
    Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not when the meltdown is that complete, that historic, that humiliating.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • Focus on what’s essential, complete one thing well, and let that steady your pace throughout the day.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • With modern technologies and census data, experts can draw districts to the millimeter with the goal of packing together or splitting up whole communities with like interests.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
  • China has looked to expand its influence across Africa and on Friday scored a soft-power win by eliminating tariffs for the whole continent — except Eswatini.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • TikTok followers watched along as Jessica Kayll, who designs colorful silk robes, finished painting her dress in the days leading up to the gala.
    Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
  • But Embiid attempted only three more free throws for the rest of the game, finishing 8-of-9.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • Columbia recruit improves career-record total to 791 strikeouts.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • Often, Bell wrote, desegregation turned out not to be the fastest or surest method to improve these children’s school experience.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Students are turning in flawless essays and problem sets, yet many can’t explain their work, a troubling sign that generative AI is replacing actual learning in higher education.
    Jocelyn Gecker, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Foundations that once gave them a flawless base are settling into fine lines.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of which, the fine folks on X had an absolute field day at Kiffin's expense, giving the new Tigers head coach a taste of his own medicine.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
  • Weekend Sales Snapshot April showers have come and (hopefully) gone, and some of my favorite brands are finally blooming this May… with the weekend’s absolute best deals.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • At a time when the football commentariat in Italy is proposing that the entire system of Italian football be demolished, Sassuolo act as a reminder than not all is bad.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • In less than 24 hours, the deadly flames reduced the entire city to ash, displacing generations of families overnight.
    Samantha Stokes, Essence, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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