1
as in finishing
to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done
perfected the arrangements for their long-awaited European vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in improving
to make better
an art teacher who seems to believe that you can always perfect a painting with some additional brush strokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perfecting
The shareable e-bike isn’t a new idea, but Tenways comes close to perfecting it with the €1,999 (about $2,365) CGO Compact.
—
Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
From droppings-mimicking spiders in Borneo to a tiny gecko tucked under bark in India, these creatures have been quietly perfecting their disguises while science is only now catching up — one DNA barcode, one micro-CT scan at a time.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
After a day of perfecting your pop-ups, take a soothing dip in the property’s infinity pool, set amidst lush greens for a truly relaxing scene.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
So much of Cece’s life centers on controlling and perfecting her body.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
In Fort Worth, fans can expect a visually elaborate production, powerhouse vocals and a set list spanning new material and classic hits — the kind of maximalist pop show Gaga has spent nearly two decades perfecting.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
The solution to stress-free travel is perfecting my personal item packing list to make every trip smoother.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
This course stands out for its spectacular panoramic ocean views, a driving range that is over 295 yards long, greens for perfecting your putting, and a chipping area.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Nearby, Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage has hosted a parade of presidents — from Eisenhower perfecting his golf swing to Obama meeting with world leaders.
—James Ward, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2026
From droppings-mimicking spiders in Borneo to a tiny gecko tucked under bark in India, these creatures have been quietly perfecting their disguises while science is only now catching up — one DNA barcode, one micro-CT scan at a time.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
After a day of perfecting your pop-ups, take a soothing dip in the property’s infinity pool, set amidst lush greens for a truly relaxing scene.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
So much of Cece’s life centers on controlling and perfecting her body.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
In Fort Worth, fans can expect a visually elaborate production, powerhouse vocals and a set list spanning new material and classic hits — the kind of maximalist pop show Gaga has spent nearly two decades perfecting.
—Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
The solution to stress-free travel is perfecting my personal item packing list to make every trip smoother.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
This course stands out for its spectacular panoramic ocean views, a driving range that is over 295 yards long, greens for perfecting your putting, and a chipping area.
—José Cantillo Ferrer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Nearby, Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage has hosted a parade of presidents — from Eisenhower perfecting his golf swing to Obama meeting with world leaders.
—James Ward, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
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The trio that was set to make the podium ended up finishing in ninth, 12th and 13th place.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Even so, Grimaldi recommends finishing your last meal or snack about three hours before bed and aiming for an overnight fasting window of 13 to 16 hours.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Strengthening labor laws, increasing the minimum wage and improving social safety nets like unemployment insurance are a few ways the government could step in to address lagging wage growth, Shierholz says.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
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Even outside the typical April-to-December season, crews have continued working during this month’s mild weather to remove dead branches and hazardous trees along parkways and medians — proactively improving safety, reliability and quality of life for residents citywide.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bennett faced eight batters total but saw his pitch count balloon to 41 before completing the second inning.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
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Summer annual weeds are true annuals, completing their life cycle in a single growing season.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ultimately, the performance of the IS system is commendable, effectively mitigating shake and enhancing viewing stability.—
Matt Morris,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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Adele's take on the shade honors her red roots, the choice enhancing her natural features for a lit-from-within glow.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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