exact 1 of 2

Definition of exactnext
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as in precise
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the exact number of passengers on that airplane was 147

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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exact

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verb

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as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority every war inevitably exacts the greatest sacrifice possible from some of the nation's best and brightest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to extort
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats that loan shark can be counted upon to exact repayment of his loan by whatever means necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exact different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of exact are accurate, correct, nice, precise, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

In what contexts can accurate take the place of exact?

The synonyms accurate and exact are sometimes interchangeable, but accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When could correct be used to replace exact?

In some situations, the words correct and exact are roughly equivalent. However, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When would nice be a good substitute for exact?

The words nice and exact can be used in similar contexts, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another?

Precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related as synonyms of exact?

Right is close to correct but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault.

the right thing to do

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 exact
Adjective
The announced attendance was 68,827, which was the exact capacity FIFA announced for the venue before the tournament began. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026 Choose one clear, exact effort, and let steady results speak loudly for you. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
Verb
But those standards are exacting. Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 The market is healthy, and brands are catering to an exacting set of demands. Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • Players must match the circles to the correct side while also clicking their controller correctly.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Through its new Homes for Generations Program, the Unified Government may help pay for court filing fees, foreclosures or other documents related to transferring the title into the correct person’s name.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Switzerland’s offense thus far has been more precise and organized.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The changes would establish statewide procedural guidelines with precise wording and stricter student-athlete residency verification requirements, which leaves less room for error.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • Assuming current forecasts are accurate, the beast currently forming over the Pacific Ocean could do much more than tweak rainfall patterns.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Star power takes a neutral cat-eye base and turns it into a subtle statement moment.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 June 2026
  • Where their Florida style is bold and flamboyant, the ranch is subtle and defined by a rich, earthy palette.
    Elizabeth Kiefer, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • This seemingly innocuous question continues to shape mathematical research to this day.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 19 June 2026
  • Perhaps the most important takeaway from Barcelona is psychological rather than mathematical.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • African and Caribbean leaders are demanding financial compensation, debt cancellation and formal apologies from countries that benefited from the transatlantic slave trade after adopting a sweeping reparations plan at a conference in Ghana.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 By afternoon, plans demand a firmer line.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • My eyes darted back and forth, trying to grasp the imposing silhouette in its entirety.
    Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The filing, submitted in the San Diego County Superior Court, seeks a judge’s order to condemn and destroy the embargoed kratom products, halt ongoing unlawful manufacturing and impose civil penalties.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Antoine Larry, a former patrol officer in south suburban Phoenix, was accused of conspiring with another officer to extort suspects for cash and drugs during traffic stops.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Richards attained fame as a pioneering male supermodel in major ad campaigns by the likes of Bruce Weber, Richard Avedon, and Helmut Newton, but all along he was being extorted and exploited by Mierers and his followers to bolster (and bankroll) their shaky, pseudoscientific philosophy.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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