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

China’s Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) launched in 2025; initial data published in June 2026 provided the most precise measurements of neutrino oscillation reported to date. — Simon Frantz, Quanta Magazine, 24 June 2026

But precise passes that squeeze the maximum gain out of plays will receive extra commendation. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026

The Hisense 85-inch E7 Cinema Series upgrades your living room with Hi-QLED mini-LED backlighting, delivering thousands of precise dimming zones. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026

The surgery would involve very precise work, measured in millimeters. — Victoria Oliva, Allure, 23 June 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