EXACTINGLY Synonyms: 298 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'exacting' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exacting are burdensome , onerous , and oppressive . While all these words mean "imposing hardship," exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding. // an exacting employer

Q: When would 'burdensome' be a good substitute for 'exacting'?

In some situations, the words burdensome and exacting are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain. // burdensome responsibilities

Q: Where would 'onerous' be a reasonable alternative to 'exacting'?

Although the words onerous and exacting have much in common, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful. // the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

Q: When could 'oppressive' be used to replace 'exacting'?

While the synonyms oppressive and exacting are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed. // the oppressive tyranny of a police state

exacting 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzak-tiŋ

Definition of exacting next

as in careful

hard to please he was shocked when his normally exacting supervisor complimented him on a job well done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigorous

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards the prep school's exacting standards for admission

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort the new recruits had to adjust themselves to the exacting discipline of military life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention writing will always be an exacting task

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exacting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exact

as in demanding

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in imposing

to establish or apply as a charge or penalty vowed to exact a heavy fine from any hockey player engaging in such outrageous behavior on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in extorting

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 does the adjective exacting contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exacting are burdensome, onerous, and oppressive. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

When would burdensome be a good substitute for exacting?

In some situations, the words burdensome and exacting are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

Where would onerous be a reasonable alternative to exacting?

Although the words onerous and exacting have much in common, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

When could oppressive be used to replace exacting?

While the synonyms oppressive and exacting are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

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 exacting

Adjective

Loznitsa’s methods are grim and exacting, but the effect is never monotonous; there are shivers of Hitchcockian suspense, plus a whispery cackle of satire that veers toward the Kafkaesque. —

Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 That meant that creditors had to follow the more exacting claim process. —

Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026

Verb

So of course a nation famed for its exacting culture and being the most visited in the world—clocking 102 million international tourists in 2025—has a very specific appellation system for its luxury hotels. —

Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 The only detail held to an exacting standard is the choreography, thoroughly executed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. —

Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting

Adjective

This slice of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, at the far eastern edge of Lake Michigan, is an International Dark Sky Park and continues to take careful steps to preserve and protect the nighttime environment, an absolute necessity for the ideal northern lights viewing experience.

— Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 19 Aug. 2025
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals like bleach, as this can damage or discolor the countertops.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025

Definition of careful

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“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of exacting

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verb

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