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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
That means a detergent jug can be recyclable, placed in the correct bin and still end up in the trash. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 But Logan wanted to proceed cautiously, not putting his neck on the line with intel that might not even be correct. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
Rebuilding a strong draft just to correct one small issue can quickly become frustrating. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026 Buck Showalter made a living off course-correcting teams that had no culture or identity. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Iran’s long-range, highly accurate Shahed-136 attack drones — flying fiberglass triangles that cost about $35,000 each — have helped Tehran hold off the world’s most powerful military.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Even so, Mejia wants more information to be sure that those reports are accurate, especially because the city previously agreed to help cover any deficit should the Games lose money.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The spa setup includes a proper sauna, a genuinely cold cold plunge, hot tubs, and a quiet outdoor lounge overlooking the dunes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences The service here is warm rather than formal, which suits the setting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • On Monday, Georgia Power submitted a formal request to the commission to approve identical modifications at Hatch Units 1 and 2.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Boy employees or those linked to Combs have been stalled, amended, or quietly abandoned.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • If their tax refund was inflated by claiming tax credits that don't apply to them, the taxpayer had to verify their ID first and then amend a return before any federal income tax refund could be issued.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Its private-banking business can benefit from higher rates, but that upside is largely offset by higher deposit costs.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In short, the BofA analyst doesn’t see innovation offsetting the weakness in the larget lifestyle categories, which in turn limits visibility into more durable sales that would provide an earnings recovery.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The relationship with the older woman ended after it was discovered, but the only person punished for it was the ethics officer who first reported the situation; he was caught up in accusations and counteraccusations for years.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Looking at the past mishaps sparked by high rates, the banking sector is typically punished the hardest.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a world where true-crime shows of both the fictional and nonfictional variety run rampant on our screens, that’s probably not a bad corporate strategy.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In Cuba, for instance, the single format is dominant, and very few artists have dared to create a true concept album.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Is there a kind and polite way to tell this gentleman to stop telling me jokes?
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the end, voters are choosing people for important jobs that don’t come with polite moderators and audience applause cues.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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