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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 Out is as technically precise a rap album has been released in recent memory, and eschews obvious pop-baiting hits for pure raps. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025 While the precise terms of our settlement will remain confidential, CBS will remain the exclusive domestic distributor of the shows in syndication and continue to deliver the shows through the 2027/2028 season. Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 The precise impact the flight cancellations will have on overall air travel is unclear. ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025 This method eliminates the need for precise measurements and allows excess paper to be tucked smoothly for a clean finish. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • If accurate even only in part, such a dramatic escalation would cast doubt on the reliability of the election results and put the military at the center of the blame for the outcome.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average sales price, which would mean taking the sum of all sales prices then dividing by the number of homes sold.
    USA TODAY Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The data, to skip ahead, did clearly prove that the suspicions were correct.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Their Week 9 victory over the Lions offered a glimpse at the correct formula.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While the exact details of the deal are unknown, it was reported that Sony made an initial $25 million profit from producing the film for Netflix.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The exact placement of that narrow band will determine who could see a few inches and who might see more than a foot.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
  • One mailer in particular said that Persson and fellow Democratic candidates wanted to build apartments on 300 acres of green space, which isn’t true, Persson said.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The work, led by Professor Zijian Li, confirms that the synergistic effect of K+ and C3N4 co-intercalation significantly reduces the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+ and the [VOn] layer, improves the specific capacity and cycling stability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Get specific prompts to optimize emails, memos and presentations for tone, context and audience.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Blending Sufi classics, absurdist dreams, careful mathematical calculations and lyrical narratives, Ismailov invents an ingenious transnational poetics of love and longing for the digital age.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Einstein himself viewed it as a mathematical curiosity that likely had no physical meaning, but others disagreed.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • However, be sure to refer to your care label before determining the proper wash settings.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Old Medications Regularly checking expiration dates in your fridge or pantry might already be a part of your cleaning routine, but that medicine cabinet full of little bottles could go years without a proper cleanout.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Through her book, coaching programs, and authentic voice, Keisha Leilani empowers women to embrace their confidence and express themselves fully.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To embody the Like a Rolling Stone singer, the actor trained extensively, including five years of preparation, to learn to sing as well as play guitar and harmonica, and to work with dialect and movement coaches to make his performance feel authentic.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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