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verb

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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
Canada Goose Toronto Down Jacket For 22 percent off, snag this heavyweight, high-quality Canada Goose down jacket — perfect for your upcoming winter trip. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025 In other words, perfect fodder for a true crime story. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
Take Gwendoline Christie, who perfected the dressy-yet-effortlessly cool aesthetic while out and about in New York City. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2025 Box braids, to cite just one example of African hair braiding, take a long time to perfect. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perfect 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • In an ideal future scenario, the diversity of architects will reflect the communities that are being served (namely all communities), and the future of design will be dynamic, flexible, regenerative, sustainable, equitable and artful.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The Traverse is ideal for kids and car seats thanks to slide-and-tilt center seats, head rest/restraints for all seats, and easy to access lower anchors.
    Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Read: The constitutional crisis is here But if the agency is restored—next week, next month, or years from now—restarting its work won’t be as simple as turning the flow of cash back on.
    Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
  • For a more subtle look, weave the lights around strands of greenery to create a stunning, and simple, centerpiece.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Perez, a Kendall area resident who represents a western Miami-Dade district, says a little communication could have gone a long way to preventing the whole imbroglio.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Lunch was almost always a big, leafy salad with lots of legumes and whole grains—and the dressings, like a cranberry vinaigrette or an avocado tahini, were always flavorful enough on their own.
    Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The bill states that beginning on Sep. 1, 2025, any peace officer assigned to serve as an SRO must complete a training course that meets the requirements prior to assuming the duties of an SRO.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • While final investigations often take more than a year to complete, Homendy voiced optimism that this case could progress more quickly.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Houston improved to 8-0 in the league and 16-3 overall.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
  • His off ball movement, all of those things have really improved.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • How To Successfully Migrate To The Cloud Data center migrations are complex and critical undertakings, where flawless execution is essential for success.
    Vikas Agarwal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While the collaboration commemorated their almost 25-year friendship, Pat McGrath celebrated the male models by sending them down the runway with ultra flawless and hydrated skin.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Shirt, $88 A personal favorite for the absolute ease of wear.
    Annemarie Dooling, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Foon: For me personally, it’s been an absolute joy learning all this music.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The natural disasters killed at least 29 people and destroyed entire neighborhoods and blocks, leaving an unknown number of people homeless.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • More news: Cam Newton Says His MVP Award is Far More Important Than a Super Bowl Victory Graham has spent his entire 15-season career with the Eagles.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near perfect

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfect

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