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
Relevance
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
My sister, Louise, had spent hours perfecting the screechy, imperious cry of Starscream, only to use it when phoning the takeaway and ordering curry sauce and chips.
—
Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Ahead, Justine Marjan, hairstylist and Bellami Hair ambassador in Los Angeles and New York City, shares her tips for perfecting at-home extensions.
—Hunter Lacey, Allure, 9 Apr. 2026
And not only the best players but the oldest ones, robbing mid-majors of their great advantage — veteran rosters perfecting intricate offenses for years — back when power conferences trafficked in one-and-done stars amid more restrictive transfer regulations.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
This family-run institution, established in 1896 and now in its fourth generation, has been perfecting the art of pork for over a century.
—Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Chanel, Hermès, The Row, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana have been perfecting this garment for seasons now.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
Duran, so focused on perfecting his own techniques, can forget to simplify things.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The Founders spent six years perfecting the balance between peace and war on the Great Seal.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu has spent the better part of two decades perfecting the art of the political escape.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Ahead, Justine Marjan, hairstylist and Bellami Hair ambassador in Los Angeles and New York City, shares her tips for perfecting at-home extensions.
—Hunter Lacey, Allure, 9 Apr. 2026
And not only the best players but the oldest ones, robbing mid-majors of their great advantage — veteran rosters perfecting intricate offenses for years — back when power conferences trafficked in one-and-done stars amid more restrictive transfer regulations.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
This family-run institution, established in 1896 and now in its fourth generation, has been perfecting the art of pork for over a century.
—Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Chanel, Hermès, The Row, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana have been perfecting this garment for seasons now.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
Duran, so focused on perfecting his own techniques, can forget to simplify things.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
The Founders spent six years perfecting the balance between peace and war on the Great Seal.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu has spent the better part of two decades perfecting the art of the political escape.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
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New Zealand's finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Alex Vesia struck out the side in the ninth for his second save, finishing a game that breezed by in 2 hours, 3 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Last month, the Senate passed a bill 89-10 aimed at improving housing affordability, following the House of Representatives’ passage of a narrower version earlier this year.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Homeowners can also request a more formal review by the county assessor by completing a County Board of Appeal and Equalization form.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
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After completing the intense audition process, McDonald said he was ultimately sent home, a moment that left him questioning his path.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Soko applied finishing treatments using Hydrogel technology to preserve the fabric and achieve vintage wash effects, significantly reducing water consumption and enhancing the overall sustainability footprint.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
15 Apr. 2026
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The city says investing in pedestrian infrastructure will help to reduce vehicle miles traveled, easing congestion and enhancing the environmental and economic vitality of the area.—
Brian Sherrod,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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