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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
Perhaps modifying the program is ultimately the correct decision. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2026 Meyers, who most recently served as deputy chief of strategic initiatives at Houston ISD, also acknowledged that there were numerous parents who believed the state intervention was not the correct course of action for Lake Worth. Samuel O’Neal 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Verb
Finance leaders have cut AI tools that demoed beautifully and, a month into production, were generating output their teams spent more time correcting than the old manual process ever took. David Zwick, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 His son, Telemachus, wants to correct the wrong that is occurring in Ithaca, where suitors have violated the codes of hospitality and are aggressively vying for his mother’s hand. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • The combination of low-friction actuation, dual joint encoders and minimal backlash enables highly accurate motion control while providing continuous force feedback during manipulation.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
  • Steering is accurate without being particularly communicative, but that's perfectly appropriate for this car.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • For the vast majority of healthy people, Voy says good daily brushing habits, proper toothbrush storage and replacing your toothbrush every few months are all that's needed to keep your mouth and body healthy and your smile bright.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 20 July 2026
  • Twenty years might be asking a little much of any piece of tech, but two to five years is a reasonable track record for a robot vacuum, and five to 10 years isn’t out of the question with proper care and parts replacement.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Washington responded by turning its assurance into a formal guarantee, though one signed as an executive order a successor can revoke.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Anderson’s neighbors, Matt and Laurel Nelson, needed to meet that threshold to move the case to a formal hearing on their complaint against the county manager.
    Reed Williams, AJC.com, 17 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
  • Still, the process is key for providing water to coastal and island communities and to help to offset droughts.
    Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Energy efficiency and improved cooling remain important, but efficiency gains can be offset if total demand grows rapidly.
    Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • Voting more than once, tampering with ballots, lying about your residence to vote somewhere else or casting someone else’s ballot are crimes that can be punished with hefty fines and prison time.
    Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • The families also told the Herald that complaints to officers about the facilities were punished.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The same may be true for military personnel, law enforcement officers, commercial drivers or others who are subject to strict workplace drug-testing programs.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • This is the true bureaucracy standing in the way of housing that families can afford — not federal programs or subsidies helping those very families stay housed.
    Jake Day, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The thankful and polite, yet rowdy Post Malone was preceded onstage Wednesday by first opening artist Carter Faith and part-coheadliner, part-opener Jelly Roll .
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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