Definition of perfectnext
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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 first spoonful’s too hot, the next is too cold, and the third’s just perfect. Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 His cutlery’s subtly unusual proportions manage to be elegant and playful at the same time, like that perfect joke that lands gracefully at a cocktail party, where everyone laughs and nobody chortles. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
Daunt is apprehensive about what this could mean for the individual bookstores’ management, which has been perfected since his arrival as CEO. Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Experts emphasize consistent music releases and translating the live experience onto social media, a strategy Chappell Roan perfected over a decade. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • Hafley acknowledged Miller and Gronowski were put in less than ideal situations Saturday against the Giants but said the entire passing game operation must be better.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As American record companies had long understood, these made London an ideal launchpad for pop-culture trends.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Before her full staging was complete, friends connected her with women who had early-stage breast cancer.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Based on SweetNight Lab test results, the complete system delivers sleep comfort that's up to 11° cooler.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Software genius John Moores saw his fourth Padres team light up the whole region.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As the significance of the whole project to Leigh became clear, O’Flynn found that grief infusing the work.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After Keira Barry’s free kick attempt hit off the post, Girelli broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, finishing the rebound for the winner.
    Phuoc Nguyen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Haaland joined Manchester City in 2022 and has finished as the Premier League's top scorer in three of his four seasons with the club.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The upgrade focuses on the aircraft’s mission systems, combining new hardware and software to improve situational awareness and reduce the workload on its crew.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But with races like the one in Alaska, the party sees an opportunity to improve its chances.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX routinely recovers and reuses Falcon 9 booster stages with near-flawless performance.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Milia Nothing can ruin a flawless makeup game like a case of milia.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time.
    Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Though Sex and the City ended two entire decades ago, many of her most valuable life lessons—usually delivered via purring, zingy one-liners, either with a dirty martini in one hand or while waving a fork over brunch—feel just as relevant today.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This market cap doesn't represent total investment but the value assigned to its entire network, driven by monetary dilution, network utility (global value transfer, verifiable supply), and anticipated future demand.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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