precise

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs 

1

: exactly or sharply defined or stated

a precise explanation

2

: minutely exact

precise measurements

3

: strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention

4

: distinguished from every other

at just that precise moment

preciseness noun

preciseness

2 of 2

noun

pre·​cise·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being precise (as in speech or conduct)

Synonyms of precise

Adjective

• accurate
• mathematical

Choose the Right Synonym for precise

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 precise in a Sentence

Adjective

Be sure to take precise measurements before you cut the cloth.

The dating of very old materials has become more precise with new instruments.

The word has a very precise meaning.

Can you find a more precise term than “good” to describe the movie?

Could you be a little more precise about what happened?

She is very precise in her work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This is an exceptionally sophisticated cognitive procedure and obviously produces a less powerful and precise strike than those performing goalkeeper-independent kicks, without a stutter. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Satellites for observation, communications and precise geolocation have been military necessities for years, and new weapons such as orbital interceptors and inspection systems are heading in that direction. — Gerry Doyle, Fortune, 13 July 2026

The precise amount going back to players will not be known for several months, as the league finalizes its accounting. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026

This discovery provides battery architects with a precise dial for performance. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past participle of praecidere to cut off, from prae- + caedere to cut

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precise

• to be precise

Rhymes for precise

• advice
• allspice
• concise
• device
• entice
• excise
• fordyce
• suffice
• dice
• feis
• gneiss
• grice

Kids Definition

precise

adjective

pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs 

1

: exactly or sharply explained or stated

2

: very exact

precise scales

the precise time

3

: agreeing exactly with a rule or standard

precisely adverb

preciseness noun