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
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Recent Examples of perfecting
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
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The interactive museum is finishing up a major expansion, and visitors will soon be able to see even more of its extensive collection up close.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
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After finishing her schooling at Exarch Joseph I in Lovech, Karabash earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Veliko Tarnovo in applied linguistics with English and French.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 May 2026
Verb
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More than a workflow, CD/CR is positioned as a new framework and potentially a new SOC discipline, built around the idea that detection and investigation should function as a single self-improving system.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
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In addition to the work on the golf course, which includes improving bunkers and teeing areas as well as re-grassing, Jeffersonville in 2024 completed a new $12 million state-of-the-art clubhouse.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The little rotorcraft far exceeded mission managers' expectations, completing a total of 72 flights over the course of nearly three years.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
17 May 2026
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In one September 2025 event, the system struck a metal chain while entering a parking lot after completing an unprotected left turn.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Venturella spent time in Gary in 2016 wooing the city with cash infusions for its public safety agencies, workforce development and construction assistance for enhancing Airport Road.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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The ceiling is also covered with fabric, adding more opulence and enhancing live acoustics for performances in the entertainment space.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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