perfect 1 of 2

1
2
3

perfect

2 of 2

verb

Try This Instead

For
Try This
a perfect fit
a precise fit
a great fit
an excellent fit
an optimal fit
perfect health
spotless health
flawless health
pristine health
impeccable health
exemplary health
a perfect world
an ideal world
a flawless world
a pure world
a better world
an optimal world
perfect condition
pristine condition
flawless condition
spotless condition
immaculate condition
impeccable condition

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

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
The more dextrous will get perfect curves and straight lines. Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025 After the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards poked the proverbial bear, Doncic turned his game up a notch, scoring 31 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists (on a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line) to give the Lakers a 94-85 victory in Game 2, evening the series. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Rather than perfecting your offering, launch a basic version quickly to test market response. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 Erivo has fond memories of perfecting the iconic wig Elphaba wears throughout the movie, mentioning hairstylist Sim Camps. Arabella Hau, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • Leftover egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs that have been frozen can be ideal for baking and cooking applications where large quantities of eggs are needed.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Modern formulations allow for consistent dosing, which is ideal for ensuring that every bite is just right.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The simplest way, Studholme suggests, is to use one group of neutrals or a tone on tone graduation of the same color, such as Pigeon, Blue Gray, Muzzle and Cromarty from Farrow & Ball, for example.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Will people be more open and accept that a simple, inexpensive date isn’t the sign of low effort but rather a reflection of the economy none of us asked for?
    Myisha Battle, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the past half decade, whole strata of this intricate New York support system have been smashed.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But perhaps the whole sequence of events tapped into some wider questions around Alcaraz’s game.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The final cost will be set once the design is completed, said Laura Swartz, the communications director for the Department of Finance.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2025
  • He was also empowered to achieve a lifestyle by design that is filled with adventure, including completing IRONMAN triathlons and diving with great white sharks.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sporting improved to 2-6-1 in MLS regular-season play, winning its second match of 2025.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • If each of us could do one small good deed daily, the world would be improved.
    Maria Zimina, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the cleanup crews have drawn wide praise, the work has not been flawless.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • In thought leadership, the real win isn’t in being flawless.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hairston is an absolute burner who ran a 4.28 at the combine and despite his smallish weight, is a very long corner with near 32-inch arms.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And the week-long party that had been taking place in Green Bay turned into absolute bedlam.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • After hatching, the tiny insects live almost their entire lives in the web of a single spider, eating any weakened or recently deceased insects that have been caught by their host – all while adorned in a grisly collection of body parts.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In the wake of the accident, Renner says his entire outlook on life has shifted.
    Alex Ross, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!