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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
Several early indicators will demonstrate whether this forecast is correct. Michael Cheng, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 Some important, correct interventions should be acknowledged, including the penalty awarded to France against Paraguay and the red card for Jarell Quansah in England’s match with Mexico. Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
And in the United States, the latter doesn't do as much to correct for inequality than the former. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Nearly a year later, the under-reporting of over $400,000 in income has not been corrected. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • With in-store transactions flowing directly to the API, campaign reporting becomes more accurate and AI from Meta can optimize ads based on cross-channel revenue, Lightspeed said.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • Note what’s accurate, outdated and what appears repeatedly across different sites.
    Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Under their stewardship, the property keeps that classic Cape Cod feeling but has enough contemporary polish to appeal to today’s travelers (Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a proper corkscrew in the rooms, and so forth).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Sleep problems, chronic illness, medications and stress can all mimic a hormone problem, so a proper workup matters before blaming testosterone.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Department of Children and Families reports that more than half of the nation’s adults have never taken formal swimming lessons.
    Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Multiple reception rooms include a formal dining room with seating for 16 guests, while two studies are for more intimate gatherings and the Smallbone kitchen, equipped with Miele appliances, opens to a morning room with French doors to the gardens.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The city amended its 2023 agreement with Goldenrod in August 2024 to give the company more time to complete the project.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to amend the filibuster so the party could pass voting rights legislation four years ago, arguing voting rights mattered more than a procedural rule.
    Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • As manufacturers worldwide search for ways to offset labor shortages and improve production efficiency, Shanghai Electric is positioning embodied AI as a practical tool for factory automation rather than a standalone robotics showcase.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • The video and Internet losses were offset by Charter adding 406,000 mobile wireline subscribers, down from adding 500,000 total mobile wireline subscribers in the year-ago period.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Zirkzee added the second before Devaney punished slack defending from a set-piece in the 63rd minute.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • City officials and police are concerned about an increase over the summer, and are under pressure to prevent similar gatherings or to punish those who participate.
    Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • As is true for many other industries in China, intense competition at home is driving companies to expand globally.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • While the event offered charitable benefits, Rocket Companies' true commitment is a $500 million, 10-year philanthropic initiative.
    Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trump had entered the ballroom to polite applause, and was thanked for his support by outgoing White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang of CBS News.
    Jocelyn Noveck, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Harris said James would be welcomed in Philly with open arms; James was polite but didn’t tip his hand.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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