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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
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
  • The linen fabric is lightweight and ideal for hot weather, and the side pockets are a bonus, too.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • We are blessed with the ideal conditions for homeowners to save money on our electricity bills, and increase our property values, by installing rooftop solar.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trevon Williams, who did not escape from the New Orleans jail, was charged with 10 counts of being a principal to simple escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on May 23.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Related Stories 13 Under-The-Radar Activities And Experiences In Key West The 11 Best Key West Restaurants On The Water Rooms And Rates The rooms are bright, cheerful, and simple, with colorful coastal touches in artwork and decorative items like pillows.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 May 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
  • He was inspired by seeing whole Cacao pods in fresh fruit markets in South America and set out to develop a network of beverage shops to sell products made from frozen Cacao components.
    Steven Savage, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • After a double by Aliyah Binford and infield single by Lexie Brady put runners at the corners, Ole Miss successfully completed a double steal.
    Ethan Westerman, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • Leadership Northwest Indiana program completed The Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest recently graduated its 2024-25 Leadership Northwest Indiana program cohort.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump 100 days: Former president's success created measuring stick for future leaders From Trump to Reagan: Their first 100 days Trump promised to improve the economy on Day 1.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • However, the latest reports suggest that situation is improving, albeit with lowball offers.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Impeccably dressed in a flawless double-breasted suit, he was well versed in commanding the room—and absorbing the admiring glances that often followed.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 25 May 2025
  • In the Dodgers’ 3-1 rubber-match victory over the Diamondbacks, Hernández delivered the night’s biggest swing in the bottom of the sixth, taking a wrecking ball to what had been a flawless outing from Burnes with a three-run home run that turned the game upside down.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 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
  • 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
  • San Francisco ended last season with a total of 37 team sacks, which is near the bottom of the entire league.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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