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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 compact and lightweight screwdriver is easy to use and comes with a whole set of drill bits, perfect for a variety of projects. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025 While the rest of her outfit is slim and close-fitting, the plush and full-bodied coat collar is gargantuan—perfect for the London chill, and a quick escape into the night with partner Callum Turner. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
Director Brady Corbet denied the allegations, saying that stars Adrian Brody and Felicity Jones worked for months with a dialect coach to perfect their characters’ Hungarian accents, and that only the Hungarian portions of the film were adjusted manually using Respeecher technology. Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025 Victoria House Resort & Spa One of the first major resorts to open in the country over four decades ago, Victoria House Resort & Spa has had years of experience perfecting the art of the beachfront vacation in Belize. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perfect 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect
Adjective
  • With its high footfall of 111 million annual visitors, The Dubai Mall presented an ideal canvas to bring the House of Hype to life.
    Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Exploring a Walkable City Full of Charm and Culture Lisbon, a walkable city full of wonderful things to do, see, and eat, is ideal for the traveler who loves learning about different cultures.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Styled by Dani Levi, Kardashian wore a simple floor-length bodycon gown from Balenciaga Couture.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Yellow is the simplest, and purple is the most difficult.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The after: alone in a quiet kitchen, rinsing out wine glasses and marveling over how little the whole thing cost me.
    Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025
  • And there are, of course, a whole bunch of noneconomic reasons people don't move, including wanting to remain close to family and friends.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The layoffs, which the company expects to complete substantially by the end of the second quarter, are estimated to net $210 million in savings this year and full-year savings of $300 million in 2026.
    Deborah Sophia, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Crews in Kentucky and West Virginia were racing against the clock to complete flood rescues ahead of the dangerous wintry weather.
    Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Founded in 1996, ZERO Prostate Cancer has been dedicated to improving and saving lives affected by prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness and support.
    Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Overall, 29 aircraft models had a drop in mission capability rates, whereas only 26 improved.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • First, this coverlet was flawless upon unpacking and fit very well, even on a thick mattress.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Arne Slot has built his flawless Liverpool side on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For the Chiefs, this was an absolute embarrassment.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • In our increasingly multipolar world, the pursuit of absolute moral purity is a luxury.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As such, the entire process was uniquely collaborative across the different teams and even with artists outside the studio.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Although Trump appears to have thought better of dissolving the entire office, its director can’t really succeed at fulfilling its purpose without the president’s support.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near perfect

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfect. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfect

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