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

2
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
And the greenish diabase stone used around the pools was selected to match the exact color of the sea when illuminated by sunlight. Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025 The exact knee pads and helmet Hawk wore while nailing the aerial trick are also up for grabs. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Verb
Ana de Armas stars in Ballerina — a spinoff of the John Wick films that’s set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4 — as a ballerina-assassin who sets out to exact revenge for her father’s death. Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • Why Do People Use Skin Bleaching? Skin bleaching can be used to even out skin tone and correct areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 July 2025
  • Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • To ensure the headphones are easy to wear, ultra-soft and durable ear cups, along with advanced damping materials, tuned venting and precise port adjustments, provide a high level of passive noise isolation.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • No one else is doing this in a scalable, premium and culturally precise way.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2025
  • All odds are accurate as of 5:00 a.m. ET on Friday.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Using the mathematical and computational models, researchers were able to gather insights into the Earth’s depth and composition of materials under the Afar surface.
    Jay Kakade July 05, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Sophisticated mathematical models coexist with surprisingly basic tools.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Comparisons to Robin Hood are not just invited, but demanded: Parker’s signature look is an old-timey cape, complete with head covering, that appears to give him abilities like bending bullets mid-air.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Trump previously demanded allies double their spending goals to 4% of GDP in 2018.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The state also referenced the heavy toll a monthslong trial could impose on the families as well as the possibility of lengthy appeals even if Kohberger were to be convicted and sentenced to death, according to the letter reviewed by ABC News.
    Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Mexico City band Molotov decry state agents who extort the same communities that pay their salaries, and make a plea for power to be returned to the people.
    Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
  • But when Arthur is released unharmed, rumors fly that the whole thing was a plot contrived by the son to extort money from his father.
    Caroline Fraser June 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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