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
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 perfecting
Las Vegas spent half a century perfecting the art of keeping people inside.
—
Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Construction crews harvested the walnut on the property and spent more than 200 hours and an entire year perfecting it.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 28 May 2026
Nature spent millions of years perfecting the armadillo, the armored mammal.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
Multiple employees were perfecting the already-perfect plateaus of bell peppers and apples in the produce section.
—Swan Huntley, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
The former Hungarian leader was widely seen as perfecting the competitive authoritarian playbook during his 16 years in power.
—Frank Langfitt, NPR, 13 May 2026
In recent years, the Japanese pizza movement has blossomed, thanks to chefs who have been dedicated to perfecting the art of the perfect Neapolitan-style pie.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
In a way, Tim Cook's superpower was always taking the innovation in Cupertino and orchestrating the external forces to bring it to life, through perfecting the supply chain and designing supplier relationships as chief operating officer, and eventually practicing international diplomacy as CEO.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
And while fine-tuning the setlist, perfecting choreography and adding final touches to her outfits are must-dos before the concert series kicks off in June, Duff tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that one of her most important pre-tour preparations is making sure her voice is at its best.
—Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Construction crews harvested the walnut on the property and spent more than 200 hours and an entire year perfecting it.
—Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 28 May 2026
Nature spent millions of years perfecting the armadillo, the armored mammal.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
Multiple employees were perfecting the already-perfect plateaus of bell peppers and apples in the produce section.
—Swan Huntley, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
The former Hungarian leader was widely seen as perfecting the competitive authoritarian playbook during his 16 years in power.
—Frank Langfitt, NPR, 13 May 2026
In recent years, the Japanese pizza movement has blossomed, thanks to chefs who have been dedicated to perfecting the art of the perfect Neapolitan-style pie.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
In a way, Tim Cook's superpower was always taking the innovation in Cupertino and orchestrating the external forces to bring it to life, through perfecting the supply chain and designing supplier relationships as chief operating officer, and eventually practicing international diplomacy as CEO.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
And while fine-tuning the setlist, perfecting choreography and adding final touches to her outfits are must-dos before the concert series kicks off in June, Duff tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that one of her most important pre-tour preparations is making sure her voice is at its best.
—Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
-
But the Goldeneyes struggled in their inaugural season, finishing sixth in the league standings.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
Following his time in Sacramento, Adelman coached the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing his coaching career after the 2013-14 season with a 1,042-749 record in 23 seasons.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Companies across sectors continue to adopt AI tools in hopes of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
-
Multi-generational engagement and transparency Technology is also improving communication between family members, executives and external advisers.—
Paul Westall,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
After completing one orbit, the moon must travel a little farther to reach the same alignment with the sun and Earth again, creating the familiar cycle of lunar phases.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Filleman used mixed heavy slider usage with his mid-80s fastball and an occasional changeup to prevent the Wildcats’ comeback from completing.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Miraval has long encouraged guests to limit or even forego their use of digital devices as a way of enhancing awareness of one’s surroundings and allowing moments for self-reflection and personal growth.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
Everything from enhancing local security, monitoring global threats and infectious disease data, and training with assistive technology to better accommodate fans.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
