exact 1 of 2

Definition of exactnext
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as in precise
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the exact number of passengers on that airplane was 147

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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exact

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verb

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as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority every war inevitably exacts the greatest sacrifice possible from some of the nation's best and brightest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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as in to extort
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats that loan shark can be counted upon to exact repayment of his loan by whatever means necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exact different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of exact are accurate, correct, nice, precise, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

In what contexts can accurate take the place of exact?

The synonyms accurate and exact are sometimes interchangeable, but accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When could correct be used to replace exact?

In some situations, the words correct and exact are roughly equivalent. However, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When would nice be a good substitute for exact?

The words nice and exact can be used in similar contexts, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another?

Precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related as synonyms of exact?

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 exact
Adjective
Increases Satiety The exact protein content varies by type of yogurt. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026 From an ideological standpoint, the new flag was introduced at the exact time the citizens of this state were just getting a grip on the outrageously incompetent management of the state’s money, dereliction that allowed billions of their tax dollars to be lost to fraud. Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
Verb
The service As the hospitality definition of quiet luxury, Aman’s service is exacting yet understated, respectful and personalized. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Every detail would instead need to be physically coordinated with exacting precision. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • The correct volume is 165 million metric tons.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
  • Reinsdorf feels Graham is the correct solution to these problems.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • While mixtures of two or three metals were messy and unstable, the five-metal combination paradoxically self-organized into a single, uniform product, streamlining 31 possible chemical outcomes into a single, precise nanocrystal.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
  • That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • But part of the reason is that even with our most precise and accurate measurements that lead to a determination of the gravitational constant, those various teams and methods haven’t converged on a single answer.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
  • More accurate simulations could speed up drug discovery, improve materials design, and reduce the need for costly laboratory experiments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • With Pluto turning retrograde in your 12th House of Reflection, patterns, habits, or emotional cycles may come into focus in subtle but meaningful ways.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026
  • Now, there’s no mention of Eugenie’s extended family, just a subtle but clear message about their connection to the King and no one else.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Using a process called topology optimization, the team let a mathematical algorithm design the perfect cooling surface.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
  • In 2023, using a combination of experiments and mathematical modeling, Schramma and Jalaal reported that Elodea cells occupy a critical point at such a transition.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • My parents bickered constantly, my sister was demanding and always in a conflict with them, and my grandparents would scream at each other.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Much like the demonstrations two decades ago, organizers on Friday also called for a general boycott — no school, no work, no shopping — in an effort to demand that the country put workers above billionaires by taxing the rich.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • In response, Sardinian politicians passed a law that imposed an 18-month ban on construction of wind and solar projects within 7 km of a nuraghe or other archeological site.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
  • San Diegans are struggling with rising costs of water, transportation and other basic expenses, and cuts to federal safety net programs threaten to impose new costs on many.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The group is attempting to extort the company, threatening to release massive amounts of student data if demands are not met.
    Tori Mason, CBS News, 8 May 2026
  • Marcus Lamb also alleged that three people tried to extort money from him to stay quiet.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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