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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
Tender lemony layers live in perfect harmony with strawberry-lemonade jam filling and strawberry frosting. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025 The Miami Hurricanes put together a solid all-around win over the Stanford Cardinal last week, using a nearly perfect second half to pull away in a 42-7 win. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
For years, candy shops have been perfecting their craft to create the best sugary treats for every type of candy lover. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Groundhog Audio is still perfecting its pedal and hopes to begin shipping the OnePedal in March 2026. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • The whole setup is an ideal literary playground for Lockhart, who weaves wealth, intrigue, and the power of teen emotions into an immersive and atmospheric narrative.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Lee had wanted to make a film set in the world of kabuki, the classical form of Japanese theater that dates back to the 17th century, for more than a decade, and found the ideal text to adapt from in Shuichi Yoshida’s novel of the same name.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Yamamoto is also the first pitcher since Curt Schilling to throw consecutive complete games in a postseason.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps one of the most complete.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Never got in trouble at all his whole life.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The version of events found primarily in the Iliad and the Odyssey, the Homeric epics that narrate the war and its aftermath, respectively, serves as a template for how many people continue to imagine war, honor, heroism, and a whole set of related issues to this day.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In all, five Aztecs finished in double figures.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The wood-free Hyper Core composite walls are finished in automotive grade aluminum outer panels framed out via 11-gauge aluminum corner rails, protecting the trailer from low branches and flying debris.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Following Monday night’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Lakers improved to 6-2, tying for second place in the Western Conference.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • One way the company is hoping to improve performance is by lowering the inventory.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • On a sunny, clear morning, a group of elderly men sit outside a small local market under the flawless blue sky.
    Sarah McCammon, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Then Vettel, flawless all day, caught a damp patch and slid wide.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following a few months of absolute chaos, as Nuno Espirito Santo talked himself out of a job and was replaced by Ange Postecoglou — a man with a footballing ethos that could not have been more different — Dyche is very much needed, as a steady hand on the tiller.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • But honestly, the last three months of rehearsals, getting to know each other, have been an absolute joy for everyone involved.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This entire swap would have been a disaster of massive proportions had those two not remained chained together.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Hawkins has portrayed Atwater throughout the show’s entire run.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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