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as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent gave him the precise amount that he owed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word precise different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of precise are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

When would accurate be a good substitute for precise?

The words accurate and precise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

In what contexts can correct take the place of precise?

Although the words correct and precise have much in common, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When is it sensible to use exact instead of precise?

In some situations, the words exact and precise are roughly equivalent. However, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace precise?

The synonyms nice and precise are sometimes interchangeable, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do right and correct relate to one another, in the sense of precise?

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of precise But for most Californians, the precise extent of tsunami risk is less important than knowing hazard zones exist in the first place. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 That those precise laws and agencies are now being systematically gutted should send us back to the streets. Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025 Further, the lid to the machine is a bona fide pain to get on and off, requiring a precise lining up of notches and two hands to wrench it open or closed. Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025 May For almost a decade, Four Horsemen has sustained a ferocious following for its precise and creative small plates, airy interior, and interesting natural wines. Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ars Technica: Your AI take is that neither the dystopian view of sentient AI or the utopian view is necessarily correct.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Roth was correct as the rain didn’t start for more than 90 minutes, which seemingly would have given the Royals and Rockies a chance to get a good chunk of the game played.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking the time to determine your exact financial situation and set goals can be an enlightening experience.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • While the exact species involved in the recent shark attack near Hadera has not been officially confirmed, dusky sharks are commonly found in the area, experts say.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Molds belong to the kingdom of Fungi and is a specific form of fungi that grow filament structures known as hyphae.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • From there, Groff and his costars will walk us through Darin's story, taking us into specific scenes then zipping through time to another significant point.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Math Expressions let creators place complex mathematical notations directly into layouts.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The outcome of the game depends on the answer to a mathematical puzzle that is almost 180 years old: Are there an infinite number of prime number twins?
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But authentic, demonstrable progress: proof of better outcomes, built on real expertise.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • While the filling is made of microfiber, the material mimics both the fluffiness and warmth of authentic down.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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