exact 1 of 2

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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

1
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

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3
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
Since joining SiriusXM in 2006, Stern’s show has been a staple of the radio giant’s programming slate and been seen as a draw for subscribers (though the company has not quantified the exact size of his listenership). Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 The other winning ticket was bought in Missouri, but the exact location has not been disclosed. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The offensive is expected to displace nearly a million Palestinians and has already exacted a heavy humanitarian toll. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 In the film, Maddie cheerfully navigates the politics of her jealous co-worker (Claudia O’Doherty), exacting boss (Connor O’Malley) and lesbian BFF (Berlant) at the sunny studios of Gourmaybe. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • That forecast proved correct; the revision was -13K per the September 5th BLS report.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • To call Stephen Shore the most precocious photographer in the history of the medium is almost correct.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Although the wildfire is believed to be caused by human activity, the precise action that set it off remains unknown.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In conjunction with the 911's variable ratio power steering, the result is precise, predictable steering and intuitive maneuverability.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Those physically-accurate models in the digital twin of the data center function exactly like their physical counterparts in the real world.
    Marco Chiappetta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The goal, administration officials said on a call with reporters Tuesday morning, is to use laws that are already on the books to ensure people receive transparent, accurate information about drugs, especially potential risk factors.
    Will McDuffie, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This planet is electric, unpredictable and genius with its approach, but its transits are anything but subtle.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Even subtle light or noise can disrupt sleep cycles, preventing you from reaching the deeper, most restorative stages of sleep necessary for physical and mental recovery.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conclave feels like a very architectural, sparse, mathematical film, [whereas] Ballad felt to me like a chaotic pop opera that explodes at the seams.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • It’s assumed that there are more relationships, and deeper (mathematical) connections, between the particles that are known to exist in the Universe.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, all that demanded was an apology, not retribution from the organization itself.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson demanded more effort from his team in the days after the Broncos’ 34-7 season-opening loss to South Florida.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Markel’s parents asked the judge to impose the harshest possible penalty.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Also Thursday, the judge agreed to impose an order barring Drummond and lawyers from talking to the media about the case.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Around that time in 2016, an undercover FBI agent approached Donna Adelson purporting to extort her with information about the contract killing on behalf of Rivera.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • If this information were accessed, scammers could more convincingly extort or deceive individuals, according to Landau.
    TIME Staff, Time, 26 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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