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
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Recent Examples of perfecting
As a watchmaker famously obsessed with symmetry, Rexhepi took extra care in perfecting the dial layout.
—
Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 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
The bakery’s menu started with a pot pie recipe Wilson had spent years perfecting.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
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
Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 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
The bakery’s menu started with a pot pie recipe Wilson had spent years perfecting.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
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After finishing his Army service in Israel at age 21 — which included a stint as a projectionist when movies were shown to soldiers — Firstenberg decided to go to Hollywood.—
Stephen Silver,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Jon and Matt Stinchcomb, Parkview – One or the other started for Parkview each season from 1991 to 1997, each finishing as a first-team all-state player.—
Todd Holcomb,
AJC.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The 89-page plan includes goals like adding new academic programs, improving student life, increased research opportunities and better community engagement.—
Samuel O’Neal
May 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 May 2026
-
Maintaining and improving California’s bond rating is also critical to lowering costs.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
But Orlando City rallied to score the final four games of the match, completing the comeback.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
-
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the offensive MVP after completing 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and rushing for an iconic 12-yard touchdown.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
The Boys uncover evidence that Vought has been covertly administering the performance-enhancing chemical mixture called Compound V to newborns to manufacture Supes.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
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It can even be grown in containers, enhancing beauty without taking up too much space.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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