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perfect

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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
This still isn’t perfect, but as AI models improve, the software that these amateur developers create will become increasingly complex and robust. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 8 July 2025 Every great move leaves something behind; the goal isn’t to be perfect but committed. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
Dan Souza, the chief content officer for America's Test Kitchen, has shared tips for perfecting the recipe with Morning Edition. Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 July 2025 The bar at Willett Distillery opened in 2019 and is known for perfecting timeless classics such as a must-try Old Fashioned and for serving elevated small plates, such as its famous egg salad sandwich. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • The situation simply wasn't ideal for the veteran passer.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • This 300 Mbps plan is ideal for light internet activities, such as checking email, browsing the web, casual gaming, using social media, or streaming TV.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Check out our complete list of the Best Prime Day TV deals for more recommendations.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The injury was severe -- a complete break across her femur with multiple fragments.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Working anaerobically brings on a whole host of benefits, including boosted cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, and energy levels, as SELF previously reported.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • So, the whole start of that song were those questions.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Good gaming chops and an intuitive Google TV interface finish the deal for a great buy.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • It’s expected to cost $35 million and would be finished in January 2031.
    Chase Jordan July 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Redirecting the uptake of nutrients to roots, leaves, and new flower buds instead of spent blooms can improve the health and vigor of the plant.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
  • Colorado district attorneys who spoke with The Post said such deportations are not in the interest of justice and do not improve public safety over the long term.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no flawless way to do it; enrollment numbers can’t really account for a sport’s tradition in a town or school.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Changing this idea to an in-game system where you are now being asked to achieve something (go flawless in Trials of Osiris) to unlock the ability to buy a digital ornament for real money (this will cost about $7-10 depending on your Silver stores).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • For the consumer who truly wants the absolute best optics, glass is still the best material available.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The defense is claiming two reasons for dismissal: That Dugan has absolute immunity as a judge on official acts like deciding when a case is called and also that the prosecution is an example of government overreach.
    Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • After just a few months on the job, Bondi claimed her anti-fentanyl operations saved 258 million lives—a number that is roughly three-quarters of the entire U.S. population.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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