perfect
1 of 3adjective
per·fect ˈpər-fikt 
1
a
: being entirely without fault or defect : flawless
a perfect diamond
b
: satisfying all requirements : accurate
c
: corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept
a perfect gentleman
d
: faithfully reproducing the original
specifically : letter-perfect
e
: legally valid
2
: expert, proficient
practice makes perfect
3
a
: pure, total
b
: lacking in no essential detail : complete
c
obsolete : sane
d
: absolute, unequivocal
enjoys perfect happiness
e
: of an extreme kind : unmitigated
a perfect brat
an act of perfect foolishness
4
obsolete : mature
5
: of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or verbal that expresses an action or state completed at the time of speaking or at a time spoken of
6
obsolete
a
: certain, sure
b
: contented, satisfied
7
of a musical interval : belonging to the consonances unison, fourth, fifth, and octave which become augmented or diminished when raised or lowered by a half step
8
a
: sexually mature and fully differentiated
a perfect insect
b
: having both stamens and pistils in the same flower
a perfect flower
perfectness
ˈpər-fik(t)-nəs
noun perfect
2 of 3verb
per·fect pər-ˈfekt
also
ˈpər-fikt perfected; perfecting; perfects
transitive verb
1
: to bring to final form
2
: to make perfect : improve, refine
perfecter noun
perfect
3 of 3noun
per·fect ˈpər-fikt
: the perfect tense of a language
also : a verb form in the perfect tense
Synonyms
Adjective
- absolute
- faultless
- flawless
- ideal
- immaculate
- impeccable
- indefectible
- irreproachable
- letter-perfect
- picture-book
- picture-perfect
- seamless
- unblemished
Verb
- complete
- consummate
- finalize
- finish
- polish
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective He drew a perfect circle. She's a perfect baby. She hardly cries and she sleeps through the night. His behavior is a perfect example of what not to do. This is a perfect time to have a wedding. Going to the museum was a perfect way to spend a rainy day. “Is that a big enough piece of pie?” “Yes, it's perfect, thanks.” Verb perfected the arrangements for their long-awaited European vacation an art teacher who seems to believe that you can always perfect a painting with some additional brush strokes See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 The road since my departure hasn’t been perfect and lined with roses or cotton candy. Cole Ezeilo, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 Kingsbury said the play design was perfect, except the intended target on the pass play, Greg Dortch, slipped and fell. Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2022 Black and navy are perfect and Luar proved it with these looks. Faran Krentcil, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Sep. 2022 This show was perfect for anyone who discovered them in between 2004 and 2005, when Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge ruled the world. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2022 Spencer Rattler wasn't perfect in his South Carolina debut, collecting 227 yards on 23 completions but throwing two interceptions in the win. USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2022 But Cara is not perfect, and as the story moves forward, her own accounts reveal some of the hows and whys behind the personal divisions that trouble her so. Charmaine Wilkerson, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 Berger had another punt downed at the 1 late in the first half and was perfect on four PATs. James Weber, The Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2022 Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 As in a film montage, our prodigal taquero hero will go off, train and perfect his craft, and come back stronger than ever. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Aug. 2022 Even during the summer months, Bey is working for hours every day to perfect his craft. Anthony Schulte, Detroit Free Press, 1 Aug. 2022 In addition to helping Gilbert perfect her craft as an actress, Landon also helped guide her off screen. Lanae Brody, PEOPLE.com, 1 July 2022 Sparks explained that the museum worked closely with Bad Bunny and the studio artists in London to perfect both of his custom wax figures. Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2022 With the aim to promote food that fuels their body and lifestyle, Osaka and Booker worked closely with sweetgreen’s culinary team to perfect their go-to custom orders. Aley Arion, Essence, 2 May 2022 Chipotle's culinary team worked with robot-maker Miso Robotics to perfect Chippy, tailoring its technology to replicate their exact recipe. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 18 Mar. 2022 The company worked with a select group of beta customers to perfect the algorithms, particularly to reduce false positives, said Smith. Mike Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2022 Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Aug. 2022 Thanks to the three-stage H13 HEPA filtration system, the air purifier easily traps up to 99.97 perfect of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander, odors, smoke, dust, and mold. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2022 After a number of fizzled chances, Portland finally broke through in the 38th minute on a perfect through ball from left to right by Blanco to a streaking Chara, who finished strong after a soft touch. oregonlive, 18 June 2022 Portland’s best chance of the first half came on a perfect through ball from Christine Sinclair to Sophia Smith. oregonlive, 13 May 2022 Harry Swartz swung a perfect through ball in behind Phoenix’s back line setting striker Nico Brett up for a first-time finish past Ben Lundt. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 20 Apr. 2022 Unfortunately, his previous owner was experiencing homelessness and recognized their inability to properly care for him any longer thus their decision to give him a chance at finding the perfect forever home. The Republic, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2022 Schwartz’s second suggestion is not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Karen Kaplan Science And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2022 In other words, Norway didn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. New York Times, 11 Jan. 2022 See More
Adjective
This peptide serum is perfect for those who prefer sustainable beauty products. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 The road since my departure hasn’t been perfect and lined with roses or cotton candy. Cole Ezeilo, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 Kingsbury said the play design was perfect, except the intended target on the pass play, Greg Dortch, slipped and fell. Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2022 Black and navy are perfect and Luar proved it with these looks. Faran Krentcil, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Sep. 2022 This show was perfect for anyone who discovered them in between 2004 and 2005, when Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge ruled the world. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2022 Spencer Rattler wasn't perfect in his South Carolina debut, collecting 227 yards on 23 completions but throwing two interceptions in the win. USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2022 But Cara is not perfect, and as the story moves forward, her own accounts reveal some of the hows and whys behind the personal divisions that trouble her so. Charmaine Wilkerson, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 Berger had another punt downed at the 1 late in the first half and was perfect on four PATs. James Weber, The Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2022 Verb
But my spiritual experiences have been close to perfect. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 As in a film montage, our prodigal taquero hero will go off, train and perfect his craft, and come back stronger than ever. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 23 Aug. 2022 Even during the summer months, Bey is working for hours every day to perfect his craft. Anthony Schulte, Detroit Free Press, 1 Aug. 2022 In addition to helping Gilbert perfect her craft as an actress, Landon also helped guide her off screen. Lanae Brody, PEOPLE.com, 1 July 2022 Sparks explained that the museum worked closely with Bad Bunny and the studio artists in London to perfect both of his custom wax figures. Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2022 With the aim to promote food that fuels their body and lifestyle, Osaka and Booker worked closely with sweetgreen’s culinary team to perfect their go-to custom orders. Aley Arion, Essence, 2 May 2022 Chipotle's culinary team worked with robot-maker Miso Robotics to perfect Chippy, tailoring its technology to replicate their exact recipe. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 18 Mar. 2022 The company worked with a select group of beta customers to perfect the algorithms, particularly to reduce false positives, said Smith. Mike Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2022 Noun
The building has a large, exposed wall that is a perfect for a mural, Barbara Cash said. Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Aug. 2022 Thanks to the three-stage H13 HEPA filtration system, the air purifier easily traps up to 99.97 perfect of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander, odors, smoke, dust, and mold. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2022 After a number of fizzled chances, Portland finally broke through in the 38th minute on a perfect through ball from left to right by Blanco to a streaking Chara, who finished strong after a soft touch. oregonlive, 18 June 2022 Portland’s best chance of the first half came on a perfect through ball from Christine Sinclair to Sophia Smith. oregonlive, 13 May 2022 Harry Swartz swung a perfect through ball in behind Phoenix’s back line setting striker Nico Brett up for a first-time finish past Ben Lundt. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 20 Apr. 2022 Unfortunately, his previous owner was experiencing homelessness and recognized their inability to properly care for him any longer thus their decision to give him a chance at finding the perfect forever home. The Republic, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2022 Schwartz’s second suggestion is not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Karen Kaplan Science And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2022 In other words, Norway didn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. New York Times, 11 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English parfit, from Anglo-French, from Latin perfectus, from past participle of perficere to carry out, perfect, from per- thoroughly + facere to make, do — more at do
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1580, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing perfect
Kids Definition
perfect 1 of 2
adjective
per·fect ˈpər-fikt
1
: having no mistake or flaw
a perfect plan
a perfect diamond
2
: satisfying all requirements
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
3
: thoroughly skilled or trained : meeting the highest standards
a perfect performance
4
: total entry 1 sense 3
perfect silence
perfect
2 of 2verb
per·fect pər-ˈfekt
perfected; perfecting
: to improve (something) so that it has no flaws
Legal Definition
perfect 1 of 2
adjective
per·fect ˈpər-fikt
: entirely without fault or defect: as
a
: satisfying all requirements
failed to make perfect tender
b
: free from any valid legal objection : valid and effective at law
having perfect title to the property
compare imperfect perfect
2 of 2transitive verb
per·fect pər-ˈfekt
: to complete or put in final conformity with the law: as
a
: to make (an appeal) ready for transfer to an appeals court by satisfying procedural requirements
b
: to put (one's security interest) in a position or status having priority over subsequently perfected security interests or unperfected security interests by taking statutorily prescribed steps to give notice especially by filing a financing statement or taking possession of the collateral
was the first creditor to perfect its security interest in the debtor's collateral, and, thus, was the first in priority for the collateral Commercial Bank v. Pride Furniture, Inc., 877 P.2d 1222 (1994)
compare attach sense 3 Commercial Bank v. Pride Furniture, Inc., 877 P.2d 1222 (1994)intransitive verb
: to make something (as a security interest) complete, in conformity with the law, or valid against third-party claims
perfect 1 of 2
adjective
1
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
- ideal
- flawless
- excellent
- superb
- immaculate
- prime
- great
- perfected
- terrific
- faultless
- seamless
- impeccable
- absolute
- picture-perfect
- unblemished
- exceptional
- irreproachable
- classic
- polished
- marvelous
- fine
- letter-perfect
- superior
- entire
- fabulous
- indefectible
- special
- completed
- complete
- superlative
- picture-book
- marvellous
- expert
- dandy
- whole
- unsurpassed
- consummate
- finished
- masterly
- top
- accurate
- grand
- intact
- fancy
- correct
- top-notch
- precise
- first-rate
- unspoiled
- mint
- exact
- unmarred
- first-class
- bulletproof
- unimpaired
- undamaged
- infallible
- airtight
- uninjured
- unfailing
- unerring
- unbruised
- inerrant
- high-grade
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- imperfect
- bad
- inadequate
- defective
- insufficient
- flawed
- wanting
- incomplete
- faulty
- deficient
- amiss
- unfinished
- unpolished
- broken
- censurable
- wrong
- spoiled
- fallible
- reproachable
- injured
- damaged
- misshapen
- atrocious
- impaired
- wretched
- blighted
- inaccurate
- incorrect
- malformed
- imprecise
- execrable
- inexact
- blemished
- disfigured
- marred
- vitiated
- defaced
2
as in simple
having no exceptions or restrictions living in perfect happiness in the country Synonyms & Similar Words
- simple
- complete
- absolute
- unconditional
- pure
- sheer
- utter
- total
- definite
- very
- damn
- real
- damned
- outright
- huge
- deadly
- dreadful
- clean
- consummate
- endless
- fair
- stone
- regular
- thorough
- profound
- downright
- blooming
- crashing
- flat
- categorical
- unadulterated
- unmitigated
- blank
- horrible
- constant
- plumb
- thoroughgoing
- terrible
- genuine
- stark
- unqualified
- eternal
- bodacious
- flat-out
- dead
- classic
- rank
- straight-out
- authentic
- unalloyed
- perpetual
- out-and-out
- all-out
- terrific
- veritable
- categoric
- arrant
- supreme
- extraordinary
- extreme
- hopeless
- main
- unrestricted
- superlative
- undying
- surpassing
- confirmed
- unremitting
- habitual
- frightful
- inveterate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- questionable
- uncertain
- doubtful
- restricted
- dubious
- qualified
- equivocal
3
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
- whole
- complete
- entire
- full
- comprehensive
- total
- integral
- grand
- compleat
- intact
- plenary
- maximal
- extensive
- exhaustive
- undiminished
- unabridged
- uncut
- all-out
- full-on
- full-blown
- full-out
- full-fledged
- full-bore
- full-scale
- full-blooded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- imperfect
- partial
- incomplete
- cut
- reduced
- diminished
- abbreviated
- abridged
perfect
2 of 2verb
1
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
- complete
- finish
- consummate
- polish
- finalize
- accomplish
- fulfill
- get through
- do
- better
- achieve
- improve
- execute
- effect
- fulfil
- enhance
- stick out
- perform
- enrich
- carry out
- refine
- shine
- machine
- carry through
- ameliorate
- amend
- discharge
- meliorate
- follow through (with)
- touch up
- round (off or out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- abandon
- quit
- drop
- desert
- forsake
- discontinue
2
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
- improve
- enhance
- better
- help
- remedy
- refine
- enrich
- upgrade
- ameliorate
- amend
- remediate
- correct
- fine
- reinforce
- meliorate
- strengthen
- rectify
- intensify
- reform
- fine-tune
- rehabilitate
- boost
- polish
- rework
- revise
- edit
- emend
- rehab
- refurbish
- revamp
- fortify
- hone
- redraft
- reenforce
- retouch
- touch up
- beef (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hurt
- spoil
- impair
- harm
- worsen
- flaw
- damage
- reduce
- tarnish
- injure
- vitiate
- diminish
- blight
- blemish
- disfigure
- mar
- lower
- lessen
- endamage
- deface
Synonym Chooser
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 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
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
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