correct 1 of 2

1
2
3

correct

2 of 2

verb

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
But Byars is correct that the Wave had more time with the ball, owning it 60% of the time throughout the 120-plus minute match. Austin White, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025 Of course, the challenge here is how to be sure that the translation is correct. Quanta Magazine, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
But the problems Warrem exposed two years ago this month have not been fully corrected, at least according to a recent report issued by the SANDAG independent performance auditor. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 When the moment was shared on social media, production was quickly corrected by fans who noted that John Pork appeared online as early as 2018. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • If accurate even only in part, such a dramatic escalation would cast doubt on the reliability of the election results and put the military at the center of the blame for the outcome.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average sales price, which would mean taking the sum of all sales prices then dividing by the number of homes sold.
    USA TODAY Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • However, be sure to refer to your care label before determining the proper wash settings.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Old Medications Regularly checking expiration dates in your fridge or pantry might already be a part of your cleaning routine, but that medicine cabinet full of little bottles could go years without a proper cleanout.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In Akita, local authorities requested formal military assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, saying their existing measures – including box traps and bear repellent sprays – weren’t enough.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Being Running Fence’s associate project director was my first formal job in the arts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, New Yorkers voted to pass three housing ballot proposals to amend the city’s charter, streamlining the approvals process for several types of developments.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Advertisement On the Democratic side, Virginia’s legislature has begun the complicated process of working to amend the state constitution to enable redistricting.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • If auto insurance with one carrier is more expensive than with another, a discount may not offset the difference.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
  • These scenes were designed for the average young viewer to enjoy, yet their appeal was offset by their unattainability.
    Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • More than a month after one of its professors was arrested on charges of violent felonies at an anti-ICE rally, an elite private university has refused to say whether the academic has been punished.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The National Lunch Company terminated her employment — which was a common practice used by the white power structure in the South to punish civil rights activists.
    Time, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
  • One mailer in particular said that Persson and fellow Democratic candidates wanted to build apartments on 300 acres of green space, which isn’t true, Persson said.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There is polite applause as Cristian Romero cushions a ball from the sky.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Being polite and understanding how to function around a group of people, being open and friendly.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on correct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!