accurate

1 of 2

adjective

ac·​cu·​rate ˈa-kyə-rət 

ˈa-k(ə-)rət

1

: free from error especially as the result of care

an accurate diagnosis

2

: conforming exactly to truth or to a standard : exact

providing accurate color

3

: able to give an accurate result

an accurate gauge

4

: going to, reaching, or hitting the intended target : not missing the target

an accurate shot/kick

The next play, Johnson fielded a sharp grounder and made an accurate throw to first.

—Joe Smith

5

: tending to hit the intended target

an accurate free-throw shooter

accurateness

ˈa-kyə-rət-nəs 

ˈa-k(ə-)rət-nəs

noun

accurateness

2 of 2

noun

ac·​cu·​rate·​ness ˈa-kyə-rət-nəs  ˈa-k(ə-)rət- 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being accurate

Synonyms of accurate

Adjective

• correct
• true
• precise
• good

Choose the Right Synonym for accurate

correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth.

correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers

socially correct dress

accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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

Examples of accurate in a Sentence

Adjective

The model is accurate down to the tiniest details.

Her novel is historically accurate.

The machines were not yet accurate enough to give useful results.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If blue-and-red jerseys and Chicago ballcaps are an accurate barometer, Cubs fans ruled — by a lot. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 11 June 2026

André and Alex worked with The Witness creators to ensure the show was accurate. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

An in-hand look at the new style has yet to surface, but a speculative mock-up was provided and is said to offer an accurate look at what fans can expect when the sneaker arrives at retail early next year. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

There are differing opinions about whether the system is more or less accurate. —Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin accūrātus "prepared with care, studied, meticulous," from past participle of accūrāre "to give attention to, do carefully," from ad- ad- + cūrāre "to watch over, care for" — more at cure entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for accurate

• inaccurate

Kids Definition

accurate

adjective

ac·​cu·​rate ˈak-yə-rət 

1

: free from mistakes especially as the result of care

an accurate count

2

: agreeing exactly with truth or a standard

an accurate copy

3

: able to give an accurate result

an accurate gauge

accurately

-yə-rət-lē 

-yərt-

adverb

accurateness

-nəs 

noun

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin accuratus "accurate," from accurare "to take care of," from ac-, ad- "to" and cura "care" — related to cure, curious see Word History at cure