PERFECT Synonyms: 277 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perfect 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpər-fikt

Definition of perfect next

as in ideal

being entirely without fault or flaw a stunningly perfect performance—not the slightest mistake—won her the gold medal in women's figure skating

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in simple

having no exceptions or restrictions living in perfect happiness in the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in whole

not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it I have a perfect recollection of that conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perfect

2 of 2

verb

pər-ˈfekt

as in to complete

to bring (something) to a state where nothing remains to be done perfected the arrangements for their long-awaited European vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to improve

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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For

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a perfect fit

a precise fit

a great fit

an excellent fit

an optimal fit

a remarkable 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

Demi Moore, after her perfect performance at the Globes, should take the win. —

Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2025 Still, Edwards doesn’t profess to be a future Caleb Williams or even junior quarterback Mason Atkins, who led the Blackhawks to a perfect 9-0 regular season and the Class 8A playoffs last fall. —

Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

Dario Argento perfected the idea in his giallo classics. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025 From his service with various veteran organizations to his status as a Bronze Star recipient for his own service to, yes, his years of communications skills perfected by the pressures of doing daily live television, Pete Hegseth is the man for the moment. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perfect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfect

Adjective

At some point a succession plan will be hatched — Robert Saleh would have been an ideal solution, but the former New York Jets coach returned to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator after not landing a head-coaching job — but that can be on the back burner for a while.

— Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Speed limits are based on ideal conditions—not icy roads.

— Staff report, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025