exact

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of exactnext
1
: exhibiting or marked by strict, particular, and complete accordance with fact or a standard
2
: marked by thorough consideration or minute measurement of small factual details
exactness noun

exactness

2 of 2

noun

ex·​act·​ness -k(t)nə̇s How to pronounce exactness (audio)
plural -es
: exactitude, precision
a neat exactness of caricaturing

Did you know?

To exact something is to not only demand it, but also obtain it. The most common things exacted—revenge, retribution, and that ilk—often require physical force, but other things exacted—such as penalties and prices, promises and concessions—can be obtained with gentler forms of persuasion. The variation is present in the word’s Latin ancestor too: exigere means “to drive out; to demand; and to measure.” Do not confuse the verb exact with the more common verb extract. Extract is primarily about removing something, and need not involve a demand: a dentist extracts a tooth from (we hope) a willing patient, and extracting juice from an orange carries no connotation of insistence. Note, though, that there are cases in which either verb can be used: confessions, for example, are sometimes said to be exacted or extracted, with both typically implying significant effort by the one obtaining the confession.

Choose the Right Synonym for exact

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 exact in a Sentence

Adjective Those were his exact words. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. We don't know the exact nature of the problem. Predicting the path of hurricanes is not an exact science. The police have an exact description of the killer. Please take the most exact measurements possible. He is very exact in the way he solves a problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Then, just moments later — 16 seconds to be exact — Mitch Marner was credited with a goal after Carolina defenseman Sean Walker tipped his shot into the back of his own net. Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026 The exact location of the stone within this large basin remains unresolved, as does the method of transport. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026 The potential move, which does not yet have an exact site, is not final and would require NFL approval. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 June 2026 Their exact hue can range from pink to blue depending on the pH of the soil. Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exact

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin exāctus, from past participle of exigere "to drive out, achieve, require, inquire into, examine, measure" — more at exact entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exact was in 1533

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exact. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

exact

1 of 2 verb
ex·​act ig-ˈzakt How to pronounce exact (audio)
1
: to demand and get by force or threat
exact burdensome concessions
2
: to call for as necessary or desirable
exact a high price
exaction
-ˈzak-shən
noun

exact

2 of 2 adjective
1
: fully and completely in agreement with fact, a standard, or an original
the exact time
an exact rhyme
an exact replica
2
: providing great accuracy
exact instruments
exactness
-ˈzak(t)-nəs
noun

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