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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
This article has been updated to include the correct age of the teenager. Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2026 Denver should recognize the mistake of deprioritizing low-level infractions and correct course on addressing major safety issues on our roadways. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
Verb
If synthetic data hurts performance, engineers can correct, retrain or replace the system. Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 27 May 2026 That was true at the time, Chen said, but Shyr and Wang knew the expert had obtained confidential data before the paper was released, and didn’t correct the record. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Atlas benefits further from a simplified hardware design, featuring symmetrical limbs and just two actuator types, making simulation and transfer more accurate and efficient.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026
  • They were armed with Glock pistols, which are only accurate for a short distance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • With proper storage, liquor and liqueur can generally last indefinitely.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • But most enterprises scaling the tech today are doing so absent proper guardrails.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • In rich countries with more formal labor markets, such as the US and the UK, this has catalyzed the decades-long erosion of social protections under neoliberalism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • This is the first year that the Nationals have engaged in formal meetings like these.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The law has been amended, most recently in 1982.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Soil Cucumbers like rich soil that is amended with compost, says Hélèna Dove, head kitchen gardener at Kew Gardens.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • In response, airlines have been busy cutting capacity growth and raising fees to offset higher jet fuel expenses.
    Mia Taylor, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026
  • Such a shift in views can perpetuate more inflation, especially if workers demand higher pay increases to offset expectations of more price hikes.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The list of punishing setbacks just kept on growing.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Effective evaluation should combine multiple measures, be conducted with consistency and fairness, and be used to support improvement, not just to sort or punish.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is particularly true for the relationship between the United States and China but can be seen elsewhere as well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
  • The legacy of Assad’s prisons is the true peril that faces us.
    Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • But his polite façade masked a driven, at times raging ego of a personality.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 May 2026
  • Be polite but emphatic Thank them for asking.
    John Richardson Attia Qureshi, CNBC, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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