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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perfecting
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
This family-run institution, established in 1896 and now in its fourth generation, has been perfecting the art of pork for over a century.
—Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Chanel, Hermès, The Row, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana have been perfecting this garment for seasons now.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
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
This family-run institution, established in 1896 and now in its fourth generation, has been perfecting the art of pork for over a century.
—Jenn Rice, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Chanel, Hermès, The Row, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana have been perfecting this garment for seasons now.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfecting
Verb
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After finishing his Army service in Israel at age 21 — which included a stint as a projectionist when movies were shown to soldiers — Firstenberg decided to go to Hollywood.—
Stephen Silver,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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Jon and Matt Stinchcomb, Parkview – One or the other started for Parkview each season from 1991 to 1997, each finishing as a first-team all-state player.—
Todd Holcomb,
AJC.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rinsing quinoa is really about improving the experience and allowing the ingredient to deliver on flavor and nourishment.—
Victoria Spencer,
Martha Stewart,
27 Apr. 2026
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According to Asylon, the focus has shifted from adoption to effective integration, enhancing existing systems while improving efficiency and reducing friction.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The numbers also highlight how Safonov is making cross claims or sweeping outside his box more than twice the rate Chevalier is, although the Frenchman is more adept with his feet, playing more passes, completing a higher rate.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Plummer, who came into the game completing 70 percent of his passes in the first four games, was not himself.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The expansion is also expected to add more natural light, green space and a new lobby in the hopes of enhancing comfort and care for families, hospital leaders, who touted the tower as a ‘transformative project,’ said on Wednesday.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
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Work may need to be repeatedly translated between systems, increasing the effort required for alignment without necessarily enhancing output.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perfecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfecting. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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