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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
My Roald Dahl is a broken clock who is correct twice a day. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 June 2026 Yes, there’s plenty of time to course-correct. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Verb
Authorities initially identified him as Somali before later correcting his nationality to Sudanese. Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 Some were permanently dismissed due to statute of limitations or legal insufficiency, while others were temporary on legal grounds, meaning Pines' lawyers can attempt to correct them. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • If blue-and-red jerseys and Chicago ballcaps are an accurate barometer, Cubs fans ruled — by a lot.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
  • André and Alex worked with The Witness creators to ensure the show was accurate.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Potential asylum seekers had no proper access to legal advice, and some people were held for weeks, much longer than the three days that the law allowed.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Most Red Raiders feel that Texas Tech does not get its proper piece of all of that Permian Basin revenue, which flows legally, and freely, to Texas A&M and the University of Texas; those rights bloat A&M to UT’s respective endowments to the billions, while Tech only gets millions.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the editors, both of these books embody the company’s ethos by modeling formal ambition, emotional depth, and a willingness to engage difficult questions.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The service The service is formal, but friendly and attentive, and the concierge showed an enthusiastic passion for the city that created moments for interest and exploration beyond the Guggenheim.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Michelle Ford, a soil scientist and wildlife biologist who owns EcoMaps, said Silverman over the past two months had addressed her concerns about wetlands protection by amending plans.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
  • Keeth is scheduled to appear in court next Thursday, court records showed, which is when the prosecution will request that the presiding judge amend the charge to vehicular manslaughter.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 11 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
  • Curry granted the young man a preliminary injunction that prevents NCAA brass from punishing Sorsby for violating — again, repeatedly — its rules on sports betting.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
  • The United States has placed travel bans on more than 100 Nicaraguan officials and their family members as part of a broader campaign to punish the current government for human rights abuses.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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