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 During treatment, the AI assistant ensures every pulse navigates the precise line between high-energy efficacy and epidermal safety. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 So, while humans may be less precise, automation could in the grimmest case make deadly errors at scale. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 18 Mar. 2026 Forty-one minutes later, her pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, marking the precise moment an 84-year-old woman who could not walk 50 yards without help was ripped from her bed. Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026 It's paired with an improved amplifier for more headroom, richer bass, and precise instrument localization. New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • He’s made that look accurate since.
    Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers say the high-precision synchronization is vital for accurate targeting and secure communication, with the potential to transform modern warfare and navigation systems.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Judge Melissa Andrews declined to dismiss the case but did ask for the petition to be refiled in the correct format.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Updated to correct company’s name.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rules have since been changed, and only an exact tie in votes now qualifies for two awards.
    Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • How to Spot the Next One Before sharing a story that sounds too absurd to be true, check the source page.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • That’s particularly true in the world of elite prep schools, which sometimes cost nearly $100,000 per year and often give athletic aid.
    Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • An audit has to do with financial affairs and looking at some specific issues in a district.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Those who want to de-stress or treat specific illness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While most in New England may be anticipating March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, there's another more mathematical holiday to celebrate first.
    Rin Velasco, The Patriot Ledger, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The structure, called a conservative matrix field, or CMF, acts as a kind of mathematical common ancestor, showing how formulas that look nothing alike turn out to be different expressions of the same underlying object.
    Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • She was considered proper and respected—if not somewhat eccentric.
    Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Gingie is a proper passion project for Lockwood, who was chuffed about the focal point of the open-concept kitchen.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the city, Sacramentans know Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza is the hottest place to get an authentic Chicago deep dish pie.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026
  • That never was an authentic process.
    Mark Woods, Florida Times-Union, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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