Definition of precisenext
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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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 precise Concurrently Vaccarello was designing his own line, launched in 2008, which was distinguished by surgically precise cuts that showcased the body in daring ways. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026 While the precise tilt that was associated with eruptions tended downward over time, the difference between consecutive eruptions was relatively small. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 This Best Buy set is great for small homes, with a quartet of entry sensors, a precise motion sensor, and a home hub with a loud 100 dB siren in case of intrusion. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Economists had widely expected his levies to push up prices, though the precise effects had been hard to estimate due to the changing nature of the policy and the lack of transparency on how companies set their prices. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • Moreover, the company says automatic workout recognition is twice as accurate as before, with 50% fewer missed activities.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Google says the new model means auto activity tracking is twice as accurate and supports over 100 activities.
    — Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There was just one white—Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2025—so everyone got that one correct.
    — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • During radiotherapy, small tattoos can help clinicians repeatedly align radiation beams with the correct treatment area.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Even better, Molly is the exact right amount of Instagram accessible while still being kept at a classy remove.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The notices will include specific information about their 2027 benefits, including exact payment dates and dollar amounts as well as any deductions.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The German company aims to deploy the model across different robot platforms, allowing customers to adapt its capabilities to specific applications.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Attention turned out to be the right mathematical operation for linking words and building context — the fundamentals of translation.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI’s model proved that even when the variables are allowed to be any rational number—a whole number or a fraction—the mathematical world remains unsortable.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Proceedings kicked off Saturday with MipJunior, the kids & family prolog to Mipcom proper.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Jane Doe deserved an administration that delivered a fair and proper judicial process.
    — Jeannine Chiang, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Oktoberfest has been celebrated in authentic style at the American German Club of the Palm Beaches (5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth) for 52 years!
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The collection sees the return of favorites like the classic and authentic constructions found in Old Friends.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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