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Definition of correctnext
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correct

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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
More than 100 San Diego High School students appeared to find the correct parking lot Monday morning. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Regardless of whether this fan theory is correct, there is still more Stranger Things coming for eager fans not yet ready to say goodbye to Hawkins. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
Once that was corrected, Hurley said, the insurer paid for the service. Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 Dokoupil's live show saw the journalist address an apparent technical flub on the air, though the segment was corrected upon streaming on CBS' website. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Mostly, though, Boland strangles batters with his suffocating and deadly-accurate line and length.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Comedians can sometimes be eerily accurate in the way their jokes predict the future.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Resar said the issue is technique and having a dedicated coach who specializes in tight ends and can teach him proper footwork and hand placement.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • After not hosting an official ceremony in 2022, the Golden Globes returned to proper form in 2023, with stars showing off jaw-dropping looks on the red carpet.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators turned their case over to the Ventura County and LA County District Attorney's Offices for formal charges.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The agency’s authority to investigate stems from Senate Bill 553, which was amended to broaden the scope of employers, including law enforcement agencies, to maintain workplace violence prevention plans.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Lucas offered to amend the ordinance, removing the requirement for detention facilities, as well as for other facilities or buildings paid for with public safety sales tax money.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Monday evening, city leaders approved a $940,000 subsidy to offset the development fees that would otherwise need to be paid by the developer of the project, which would be the home to a new indoor professional soccer league.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Its bright pink floral pattern is offset with crisp white that looks fresh and breezy, and the rayon and nylon material is breathable enough for wear in the spring or summer.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fret about finding ways to score and the offense punishes you.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The state’s drought-free status is welcome news for water managers, but residents in some regions are still recovering from a series of punishing atmospheric river storms that brought intense rain and flooding.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is especially true for plants that are marginally hardy in your area, as well as common perennials like woodland phlox, lamb’s ear, and hardy geraniums.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Fellow true freshman Joshua Moore should be in line for a bigger role next season as well.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Among her trio of old friends on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Kate is the polite peacekeeper.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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