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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
  • Focus on what works, not what is ideal.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • The rare flower is known to add luck and happiness to those who adorn their space with its fortune, which is why the water bearer is the ideal sign to align with it.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both reiterated, however, that the investigation was still active and the translations almost complete.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Her 18-year prison sentence was suspended, but her foundation says the conditional release is insufficient and demands her complete and unconditional freedom.
    Sarah el Deeb, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • From South India and Sri Lanka come emphatic roasts and stews, the pageantry of lamprais (a whole meal baked in banana leaf) and lacy hoppers, fermented rice flour pancakes with sides that slope upward as if in bloom.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The whole pitch falls flat if WWE just stacks the card with names already over — there's nothing to learn about Oba Femi's audience pull when his Raw run already has the building behind him.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • The new commissioner faces the daunting task of improving the existing jail while planning for a world without it.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Jonathan Bond finished with five saves for Houston (6-5-0), which improved to 2-3-1 on the road.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 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
  • And amidst delicate stripes, elastic waistbands, and flowing silhouettes, pajama pants have gone from a passing trend to an absolute staple of the contemporary wardrobe.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 9 May 2026
  • Just a force on the mound, and an absolute bulldog in terms of innings.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 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 12 May. 2026.

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