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 Pacers are now a perfect 7-0 in games that Clark attends as a fan. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025 Barkov showed off his skill in the clinching game against the Hurricanes, fending off defenseman Dmitry Orlov against the boards before feeding Carter Verhaeghe a perfect, backhanded pass to set up what would prove to be the conference-winning goal. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Verb
While most think of these gatherings occurring at bars or restaurants, home and hosting content creator Savannah K. Barry has perfected the art of happy hour at home. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2025 The Incas had advanced calendars and ceramics as well, and perfected a type of neurosurgery, likely to treat skull wounds suffered in battle, among other ailments. Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • They were paid lower prices for their almonds because of a lingering surplus from 2020 — which had seen ideal weather for pollination, and record yields.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
  • This fire pit is ideal for transporting in the trunk on camping trips, tailgating adventures, beach excursions, or as an outdoor centerpiece in your own backyard.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Track what brings business Your process on LinkedIn is simple.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Ahead of the most important game of the year, Luke Esquivel said the key to a strong performance will be simple.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even when the wildfires were happening, people were still going to work and their whole neighborhoods were burning down.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 May 2025
  • This is a classic dish from the Sichuan region where the whole duck is marinated and then hot smoked over tea leaves and wood.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Dart completed 117 passes for 1,353 yards and nine touchdowns.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • However, Reuters reports that Egyptian transport minister Kamel al-Wazir recently told a conference in Egypt that the planning stage for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has been completed, and that his country is ready to implement it at any time.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The lateral stretching of toe spread exercises can help improve your flexibility and motor control, protect against bunion pain and increase foot stability, Tenforde says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Pollination season was windy, cold and rainy — but supply chain problems began to improve and inventory came down.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Road playoff wins also require flawless help defense and execution down the stretch, especially against an historically great team that entered the Finals 80-18.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The number of squeaky-clean eateries across South Florida took a dip last month, with the state posting its lowest count of flawless inspections since June 2023.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • By the time the half-time whistle had been blown, England were leading 5-0, Beever-Jones had completed her hat-trick, Hampton had yet to lay a glove on the ball and the backspace key was taking an absolute hammering.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • With other better quarterbacks available still, the selection was an absolute surprise.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold early — enabling the right-back to be available for their entire Club World Cup campaign.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Temperatures hover in the high 80s to low 90s, with rain chances at 60% across the entire region.
    Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 10 Jun. 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!