precise

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adjective

Definition of PRECISE

1

meeting the highest standard of accuracy <a machine which takes very precise measurements of brain tumors>

Synonyms accurate, close, delicate, exact, fine, hairline, mathematical, pinpoint, refined, rigorous, spot-on

Related Words correct, right, strict, true; definite, definitive; nice, subtle; careful, fastidious, finical, finicky, meticulous

Near Antonyms approximate, round; false, incorrect, untrue, wrong; careless, loose; indefinite, unclear, vague; doubtful, dubious, questionable, unreliable, untrustworthy

Antonyms coarse, imprecise, inaccurate, inexact, rough

2

being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard <gave very precise answers to the members of the investigative committee>

Synonyms accurate, bang on [chiefly British], dead-on, exact, good, on-target, precise, proper, right, so, spot-on, true, veracious

Related Words legitimate, logical, sound, valid; errorless, faultless, flawless, impeccable, inerrant, infallible, letter-perfect, perfect; rigorous, strict, stringent

Near Antonyms defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect

Antonyms false, improper, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, off, untrue, wrong

3

being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent <gave him the precise amount that he owed him>

Synonyms exact, flat, precise, round

Near Antonyms approximate, comparative, near, relative; imprecise

4

following an original exactly <a precise translation of the original Greek>

Synonyms accurate, authentic, exact, precise, right, strict, true, veracious

Related Words lifelike, realistic; careful, conscientious, meticulous, punctilious, scrupulous; authoritative; bona fide, genuine, real, veridical

Near Antonyms careless, slack, slipshod, slovenly; erroneous, incorrect, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, untruthful, wrong

Antonyms corrupt, corrupted, false, imprecise, inaccurate, inauthentic, inexact, loose, unfaithful

5

of a particular or exact sort <at that precise moment the lights went out>

Synonyms concrete, distinct, especial, peculiar, precise, set, special, specific

Related Words lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary; distinctive, exclusive, individual, unique; limited, restricted; differentiated, specialized; given, specified

Near Antonyms general, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, universal

Antonyms nonspecific