perfect

1 of 3

adjective

per·​fect ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
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
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 noun

perfect

2 of 3

verb

per·​fect pər-ˈfekt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
also
ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
perfected; perfecting; perfects

transitive verb

1
: to bring to final form
2
: to make perfect : improve, refine
perfecter noun

perfect

3 of 3

noun

per·​fect ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
: the perfect tense of a language
also : a verb form in the perfect tense
Choose the Right Synonym for perfect

perfect, whole, entire, intact 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

whole suggests a completeness or perfection that can be sought, gained, or regained.

felt like a whole person again after vacation

entire implies perfection deriving from integrity, soundness, or completeness of a thing.

the entire Beethoven corpus

intact implies retention of perfection of a thing in its natural or original state.

the boat survived the storm intact

Examples of perfect in a Sentence

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Experts agree that the surveillance methods aren’t perfect but stress that high maternal mortality rates remain an important issue to address in the US. Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 Not to be perfect, mind you — just to be there, loving them, and teaching them how to try. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 The scientists in attendance were invited to present and discuss their research with a group of filmmakers, and Matt’s topic was perfect for a Hollywood movie: deadly viruses that have recently emerged in humans. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Its position alongside the Pacific Ocean provides cooling conditions that are perfect for the cultivation of Pinot Noir. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 There was something refreshing about a text that didn’t need to be perfect, that came from a place of urgency. Jillian Steinhauer, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The majestic look was perfect for a night when all eyes are on you. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024 The Spanish-style abode was perfect for indoor/outdoor living and included three bedrooms and four bathrooms across 3,980 square feet. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 As the largest ski resort in Ontario, Blue Mountain has more than 350 acres of terrain perfect for skiing, including an amazing 42-day trails and an amazing 30-night skiing/snowboarding trails. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
Instead, each member of the seven-piece band perfects complex arrangements for every track, then records their part individually. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Swim Shorts Of course Ralph Lauren perfected the preppy swim formula. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2024 As the chefs perfected a menu of French classics like foie gras and steak frites and the service team got into a rhythm, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 slowed the tempo. Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 And the last few months have given us some major moments, from Kendall Jenner's timeless soft smoky eye effect created by Mary Phillips to Victoria Monét’s glossy nude lip perfected by pro Alexander Echeverri. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 What follows is black and white footage of Ush perfecting his dance moves while subtly tweaking the vocals on some of his biggest hits to make sure fans get the ultimate experience. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024 Even skiers with years of experience can benefit from a few hours of perfecting their technique in a private or group lesson. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2024 Panayiotou rocks his signature aviator shades, crucifix pendant earring and perfect five o’clock shadow. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2024 There’s one thing that separates Drive-Away Dolls from the usual pulp-fiction deconstruction template that the brothers had perfected in the past, however. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
Preeti Panigrahi received a Special Jury Award for lead actor for her portrayal of book-smart Mira — the first female perfect in the school’s history. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 Textured Haus This sophisticated home goods store features a cozy aesthetic perfect for the holiday season. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 Prepare your feet for a treat with these Warm Socks, where comfort meets the style to keep your toes warm and stylish perfect for a chilly and cozy night. Priscilla Mak, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2023 To me the beautiful thing is that imperfect perfect. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 Echeverias, a broad, low succulent, and burro’s tail, a trailing succulent perfect for hanging planters, are both nontoxic options that thrive in high light. Sofia Andrade, Washington Post, 20 July 2023 Maybe not like, Ioan Gruffudd-looking perfect, but good enough, certainly. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 6 May 2023 Progressives tore themselves apart in a constant struggle that repeatedly pitted the perfect against the merely good. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 9 Jan. 2023 Ewers was the nation’s top high school prospect heading into the 2021 season, with a rare perfect ranking from 247Sports — just like Manning and former Texas standout Vince Young. Dallas News, 19 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perfect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfect was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perfect

Cite this Entry

“Perfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perfect

1 of 3 adjective
per·​fect ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
1
a
: being entirely without fault or defect : flawless
b
: meeting all requirements : accurate, exact
a perfect circle
a perfect copy
c
: pure sense 3, total
perfect stillness
2
: of an extreme kind
a perfect fool
3
: of, relating to, or being a verb form in the perfect tense
4
: having both stamens and pistil
a perfect flower
perfectness noun

perfect

2 of 3 verb
per·​fect pər-ˈfekt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
 also  ˈpər-fikt
1
: to make perfect
2
: to bring to final form
perfecter noun

perfect

3 of 3 noun
per·​fect ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
1
2
: a verb form in the perfect tense
Etymology

Adjective

Middle English perfit "complete, thoroughly or accurately done," from early French parfit (same meaning), from Latin perfectus "complete, perfect," derived from perficere "to carry out, complete," from per- "completely" and -ficere, from facere "to make, do" — related to artificial, fashion, satisfy

Legal Definition

perfect

1 of 2 adjective
per·​fect ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
: 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 2 transitive verb
per·​fect pər-ˈfekt How to pronounce perfect (audio)
: 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 collateralCommercial Bank v. Pride Furniture, Inc., 877 P.2d 1222 (1994)
compare attach sense 3

intransitive verb

: to make something (as a security interest) complete, in conformity with the law, or valid against third-party claims
perfection noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perfect

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