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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 reflect New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s correct title. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Verb
This story has been updated to correct the date of the War Powers Act vote. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 4 June 2026 But in the popular imagination, untruths persist that should be corrected. The Week Us, TheWeek, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Saban made several accurate and valuable points about the current direction of the sport and his issues with it.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • Once in position, the crews relay information about weather conditions and water patterns back to the command center in Philadelphia to develop a plan for the most accurate search.
    Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Judge Wilson seemed to agree, finding in his ruling that a detective mishandled the evidence and failed to follow proper procedure.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • Protests have been ongoing outside the Immigrations Customs and Enforcement detention center for nearly two weeks over allegations that the 300 inmates inside are not receiving proper medical care, aren't being adequately fed and their living conditions are poor.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Montenegro and Albania are seen as the frontrunners among the Western Balkans, while Ukraine and Moldova are moving closer to opening formal membership talks.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • Smooth, efficient, and impeccable, though at times, stiffly formal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • On Monday, SpaceX amended its initial public offering to state that water conditions—including water scarcity, regulations around water, and drought—could constrain data center development.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
  • The condo’s founding documents required 100% unit owner approval to terminate the condo association, so the developer tried to use its majority vote to amend that threshold.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Both light gray and creamy white paint are used for the cabinetry, while the neutral palette is offset with rattan bar stools and black light fixtures.
    Lauren Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
  • The project, undertaken in coordination with the South Delta Water Agency, was intended to offset impacts from water exports by the Central Valley Project and State Water Project pumping plants.
    Reeti Malhotra June 5, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Raphael remembers a father who worked punishing hours, something 24 to 28 hours at a time.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
  • Terr hopes that the settlements reached thus far will deter officials from firing or punishing employees for their speech moving forward, despite political pressure or online outrage.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Attleboro managed a two-out walk but Salerno limited any true damage in the top of the eighth.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
  • Huang pitched herself as the true progressive in the race, saying Raman had drifted too close to the middle during her time on council.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The service The Sagamore’s staff is exceedingly polite and easily reachable via text message.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • While modern-day hosts don’t explicitly expect guests to bring a gift, it's still largely considered a polite and appreciated gesture.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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