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Definition of correctnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of correct are accurate, exact, nice, precise, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When could accurate be used to replace correct?

The synonyms accurate and correct are sometimes interchangeable, but accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When can exact be used instead of correct?

The words exact and correct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

Where would nice be a reasonable alternative to correct?

While in some cases nearly identical to correct, nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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

Precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related?

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 correct
Adjective
The Wolverines exposed deficiencies the Huskies will have to address, correct, overcome or learn to mask. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026 With each correct solution, the model’s parameters—the strength of connections between digital neurons—update. — Harry Booth, Time, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
My firm’s team found that faster output can come with more reviewing, correcting, coordinating and checking. — Subha Barry, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 This post was updated to correct the name of the Franklin County Coroner. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • An accurate travel insurance comparison accounts for multiple factors.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The database was developed using portions of a commercially available version of California’s voter rolls that the government acknowledged might not be entirely accurate.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The administration said the work could begin as soon as the approval and the Interior Department issued a final decision authorizing construction and the proper notification was published by the National Park Service.
    — MATTHEW DALY, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Without proper circulation, harmful fungi have an optimal environment for invading your lawn.
    — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The system produced a mathematical proof that was accepted by Lean, a proof-assistant software used to check the logical correctness of formal mathematical arguments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Paris Police Prefecture denied numerous formal requests for permits allowing protests in various areas of the city, citing October riots that led to thousands of arrests and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Despite frustration that the Legislature amended his original plan by protecting property taxes for schools, the governor still advocated for the amendment.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The amendment asked voters whether the Minnesota Constitution should be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund.
    — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But as luxury brands continue to offset a downturn in aspirational spending by engaging their VICs IRL, the Balich Wonder Studio chairman and creative director’s insights are, in fact, very helpful.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Supporters of Proposition 40 tried to convince voters that taxing roughly 200 billionaires would raise the $100 billion needed to offset federal healthcare cuts.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Despite Hell Week's reputation as one of the military's most punishing endurance tests, more candidates drop out during the preceding weeks than during Hell Week.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Filming in punishing desert temperatures, West’s team developed cooling suits that could circulate cold water through tubing worn close to the actors’ bodies.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • As always, the Vivint technician was prompt and polite and needed just under one hour to install the camera, attach the Spotlight Pro fixture, and pair the camera to my Vivint hub.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • That message came from school after school site, where polls were open and politicians and volunteers shared greetings, and while the federal election monitors were said to be calm and polite, their presence was called troubling.
    — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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