correct 1 of 2

1
2
3

correct

2 of 2

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
Yes, as long as the hard drive can connect to the Xbox through a USB connection and is formatted to the correct filing system. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 In his view, toe spacers can strengthen feet and correct toe alignment by engaging a set of foot muscles most people don’t use often. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
Luce, in writing Brzezinski’s history, has corrected the record. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Clearly, the fantasy football manager who meant to take Bijan might have been able to correct his mistake, but that has not yet been revealed. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • What follows is an overview of more accurate sources of knowledge about admission.
    Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The suit claims the school failed to provide proper protective equipment and training to Wei.
    John Wisely, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • To get the cast and crew in the proper headspace for filming the crime thriller, Caron hosted a Portland-area screening of John Cassavetes’ Gloria (1980).
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Kobe never laid out the Mamba Mentality as a formal, step-by-step framework.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Yet these benefits will primarily help those that already have access to a bank—and not the more than one billion that still lack access to formal financial systems.
    Sopnendu Mohanty, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Meta has since amended the guidelines, but critics say the changes came only after public exposure and do not go far enough to safeguard children.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
  • So instead, the Democrat from Queens has introduced a resolution to amend the state constitution.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Working harder to earn less was the story of Australian iron ore miner Fortescue in the financial year to June 30, reporting earlier today that increased production failed to offset a 41% fall in profit to $3.37 billion.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • According to Confindustria’s estimates, sales of goods to the rest of the world could increase by about 13 billion euros cumulatively in 2027, offsetting U.S. export losses.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Growth exposes every weakness, magnifies every misalignment, and punishes a lack of discipline.
    Andrea Hill, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Self surrounded his stud freshman with bigger guards and wings spacing the floor, all of whom are capable of slashing and punishing closeouts.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether that’s actually true or people just like to complain more 21 years after the original’s finale is certainly up for similar debate.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • If that’s true, then there’s no stopping Trump from federalizing the National Guard in all fifty states.
    Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The pain of staying polite is losing the sale to someone bolder, faster, and clearer.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • But each polite knockback and odd digression throws out at least one casually sublime spark.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on correct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!