perfection
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for perfection, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being completely free from flaws; the highest possible standard.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use perfection
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
strive for perfection
to perfection
a state of perfection
Etymology
From Old French perfection, from Latin perfectio, "a finishing, completion", from perficere ("to complete").
Full origin of perfection →Frequently asked questions
What does “perfection” mean?
The word “perfection” means the state of being completely free from flaws; the highest possible standard. In plain terms, the ideal state where nothing is wrong or lacking.
How do you pronounce “perfection”?
“Perfection” is pronounced p-FEHK-shuhn (/pɚˈfɛk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “perfection” in a sentence?
Here is “perfection” used in a sentence: “The chef strives for perfection in every dish he serves.”
What is another word for “perfection”?
Words with a similar meaning to “perfection” include faultlessness, flawlessness, impeccability and infallibility.
What part of speech is “perfection”?
“Perfection” is a noun.
Where does the word “perfection” come from?
The word “perfection” comes from Latin. From Old French perfection, from Latin perfectio, "a finishing, completion", from perficere ("to complete").
Is “perfection” a common word?
“Perfection” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between perfection and excellence?
Excellence means outstandingly high quality, but it is a relative standard — something can be excellent while still having minor flaws. Perfection is absolute: the state of being completely free from flaws and meeting the highest possible standard. In everyday praise, excellent is common, while perfect implies nothing at all could be improved.
What is the difference between perfection and perfectionism?
Perfection is a state: being completely free from flaws. Perfectionism is a personal tendency or mindset — refusing to accept any standard short of perfection. A perfectionist pursues perfection, often even in situations where a flawless result is not realistically achievable.
What is the verb form of perfection?
The related verb is "perfect," meaning to make something completely free from flaws, as in "she spent years perfecting her technique." The word family also includes the adjective "perfect" and the adverb "perfectly," with "perfection" serving as the noun.
