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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.
Examples of exact in a Sentence
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
Cite this Entry
“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exact. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exact
1 of 2 verb
exact
2 of 2 adjective
