Synonyms of precise

precise

adjective

pri-ˈsīs 

1

as in accurate

meeting the highest standard of accuracy

a machine which takes very precise measurements of brain tumors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• mathematical
• exact
• rigorous
• careful
• correct
• close
• fine
• pinpoint
• delicate
• refined
• spot-on
• strict
• definite
• definitive
• meticulous
• true
• right
• subtle
• hairline
• fastidious
• nice
• finicky
• finical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• coarse
• inaccurate
• rough
• approximate
• wrong
• round
• false
• imprecise
• incorrect
• inexact
• loose
• vague
• careless
• unclear
• indefinite
• untrue
• doubtful
• questionable
• unreliable
• dubious
• untrustworthy

2

as in correct

being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard

gave very precise answers to the members of the investigative committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• correct
• true
• proper
• good
• exact
• so
• right
• logical
• dead-on
• valid
• veracious
• on-target
• perfect
• spot-on
• legitimate
• on the money
• sound
• bang on
• on target
• rigorous
• flawless
• impeccable
• faultless
• strict
• infallible
• stringent
• inerrant
• letter-perfect
• errorless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wrong
• improper
• inaccurate
• incorrect
• false
• off
• untrue
• inexact
• imperfect
• defective
• faulty
• flawed

3

as in exact

being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent

gave him the precise amount that he owed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exact
• round
• flat
• even

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relative
• approximate
• comparative
• near
• imprecise

4

as in true

following an original exactly

a precise translation of the original Greek

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurate
• exact
• true
• authentic
• careful
• strict
• faithful
• realistic
• meticulous
• right
• authoritative
• veracious
• real
• genuine
• conscientious
• scrupulous
• lifelike
• punctilious
• bona fide
• veridical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inaccurate
• loose
• false
• corrupt
• imprecise
• unfaithful
• inexact
• careless
• erroneous
• wrong
• slack
• incorrect
• corrupted
• inauthentic
• off
• untrue
• invalid
• unsound
• slovenly
• slipshod
• untruthful

5

as in specific

of a particular or exact sort

at that precise moment the lights went out

Synonyms & Similar Words

• specific
• special
• sole
• distinct
• concrete
• express
• specialized
• peculiar
• set
• only
• distinctive
• single
• especial
• unique
• individual
• limited
• separate
• solitary
• exclusive
• restricted
• lone
• specified
• differentiated
• given

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonspecific
• general
• universal
• generic
• generalized
• nonexclusive

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of precise are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

When would accurate be a good substitute for precise?

The words accurate and precise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

In what contexts can correct take the place of precise?

Although the words correct and precise have much in common, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers

socially correct dress

When is it sensible to use exact instead of precise?

In some situations, the words exact and precise are roughly equivalent. However, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace precise?

The synonyms nice and precise are sometimes interchangeable, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do right and correct relate to one another, in the sense of precise?

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

Recent Examples of precise

Still, the event offers a rare opportunity to watch one of nature's most precise cosmic alignments unfold overhead. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

However, many doctors say the laser helps make more precise cuts than the scalpel. — Phil Galewitz, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Unlike standard kettles, this one features a precise temperature control and soothing tone (no annoying whistle) that signals when the water has reached a boil. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026

Currently, scientists don't have a precise understanding of the chemical reactions that occur between the pollutants and the atmospheric gases at high altitudes. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026