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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

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
These storage cases are perfect for traveling and can help keep your nipple pasties clean and sanitary. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 The bright pattern is perfect for summer. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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 The pair has perfected Method dressing, which sees an actor select their red-carpet outfits based on the themes of their film. Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • Abney doesn’t have the ideal size for the position, which has likely contributed to him still being available.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Jacas took a pre-draft visit to New England that helped sell him as an ideal fit for the Patriots.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gil also totaled four complete innings, five hits, three walks, zero strikeouts and a pair of two-run homers, courtesy of Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes, in his fourth start of the season.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • With savings up to 86 percent on complete sets and lots of cooling options for warm nights, there are some major bedding deals lurking on the site.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole team is still learning every day.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • And that’s the absurdity of this whole thing.
    NBC news, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Well, the reality is, the job is not finished.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Over 19 seasons, Tomlin compiled a 193-114-2 regular-season record and never finished a single season with a losing record.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Parker now has several options to improve an area that hasn’t been a strength in Dallas for a while.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In good economic times, that’s hundreds of millions of dollars each year for upgrading classrooms, boosting teacher pay, improving security, and enriching learning in our schools.
    Kevin Vick, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 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
  • With Trump, these oppositions are never absolute.
    Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The offense came up with timely hits early, Garrett Crochet was back to being Garrett Crochet and in the top of the ninth, the Red Sox erupted in epic fashion, scoring 10 runs to turn what was already a blowout into an absolute laugher.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After all, his entire journey to the NFL has been that way.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Cost plays a role, but so do access, timing, and how the entire process is handled from start to finish.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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