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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
Most restaurants correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly after. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Faye underwent genetic blood testing there and was referred to GOSH where she was given the correct diagnosis of EDMD. Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Verb
Dust was found on two fans on the clean dish shelves, though this was corrected on site. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Instead of correcting the error, the scheming matriarch hides him in the attic and collects a life insurance payout. Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • In the years since, Becenti said, the data has painted a more accurate and encouraging picture.
    Savannah Peters, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The age range was chosen because accurate readings on these topics are harder with older kids.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The under-21s returned for pre-season last Monday, initially for testing before their first proper day of training on Thursday.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • This is just what Harley had built – an out-of-the-box pro-drag bike complete with slicks, wheelie bars, a hissing air-shifter and a proper multi-stage clutch set-up specifically for the drag strip.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Although the achievement is still awaiting formal certification, the milestone highlights the rapid evolution of high-performance drones for military applications.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Braverman was writing in response to another parliamentarian who noted that Jamaica planned to lodge a formal petition for reparations later this year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • But even if Costco is unable to amend the site’s zoning plan, it’s not guaranteed that the store would remain a wholesale grocer either.
    Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
  • The editors reserve the right to amend any information or remove any listees in light of new information.
    Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Omdia’s recent study found that the volume of phones under $400 will decline, while higher price points will offset the decline.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Tehran has leaned on this asymmetric approach for decades, betting that a swarm of small, hard-to-detect boats can offset its lack of larger, more advanced submarines.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The blaze comes amid Western Europe’s third punishing heat wave this summer, fueling deadly fires in Spain and France and underscoring scientists’ findings that the continent is warming twice as fast as the global average.
    Sergio Rodrigo, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Acts of kindness are few and far between in the punishing Myanmar textile factory where young San Kyi (Nandar Myat Aung) makes a meager living, hunched over a sewing machine.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.
    Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Genuine smiles and laughter Don't read too much into an initial polite smile.
    Jeff Haden, CNBC, 9 July 2026
  • Poor Frank and Kirsten look on confused, determinedly polite in their insistence that all family members should be welcome.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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