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
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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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That all sounds like a pretty good complement to Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, basically keeping the elements that worked with Emmitt Finnie in that spot but upping the finishing ability.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
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Despite last year’s poor start, Adames ended up finishing the season worth +5 outs above average, which ranked in the 89th percentile.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Verb
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The decision was made to neutralise GC timings ahead of the final circuit — effectively taking times with 16km remaining — allowing the favourites to drop back before the speed increased further, while also improving safety by reducing the size of the peloton.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
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The team says future work will focus on long-term outdoor durability testing, improving large-scale manufacturability, and optimizing real-world deployment.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Hours after launch, the Shenzhou 23 crew will be greeted aboard Tiangong by Shenzhou 21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, who are completing an extended seven-month-long mission and will be returning to Earth at the end of the month.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
24 May 2026
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Wells gifted his painting to Roosevelt in 1903, four years after completing it.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Due to its modular architecture it can be integrated with other rocket motors for enhancing range and maneuverability against sub-sonic and supersonic threats.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
27 May 2026
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Finishes play a key role in enhancing fabrics with density.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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