exacting 1 of 2

Definition of exactingnext
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exacting

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verb

present participle of exact
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as in extorting
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 does the adjective exacting contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of exacting are burdensome, onerous, and oppressive. While all these words mean "imposing hardship," exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

When would burdensome be a good substitute for exacting?

In some situations, the words burdensome and exacting are roughly equivalent. However, burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

Where would onerous be a reasonable alternative to exacting?

Although the words onerous and exacting have much in common, onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

When could oppressive be used to replace exacting?

While the synonyms oppressive and exacting are close in meaning, oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

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 exacting
Adjective
The moral complexities of the story – based on true events – are particularly well underlined by the exacting visual style and strong performances. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 That meant that creditors had to follow the more exacting claim process. Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
The market is healthy, and brands are catering to an exacting set of demands. Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 8 June 2026 Yet other, more controversial projects, exacting irreversible change to capital institutions, are facing greater opposition. Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting
Adjective
  • Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the widespread adoption of AI for mental health constitutes a global experiment with both potential benefits and serious downsides that require careful management.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • And a rigorous screening protocol for LFS patients developed by David Malkin, a protege of Fraumeni and Li, helps detect early-stage malignancies, improving the odds of treating them and prolonging lives.
    Lawrence Ingrassia, STAT, 26 June 2026
  • According to Lacey, who helped set up the Code Four program last year, enforcing the law requires a clear grasp of ethics and a rigorous attention to detail to make sure the job is done well.
    Noah Daly June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some organizers say America's complicated and at times difficult history is being glossed over by fireworks and flag-waving ‒ or that it's being politicized by an administration that has actively worked to advance its version of history.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The move gives Marte another chance to work his way back to the major leagues after a difficult stretch that included a brief stop with the Cincinnati Reds organization earlier this year before a cut.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Keeping your hair looking and feeling shiny can be challenging, but not with this hair kit.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore said that fighting the fire had been extremely challenging.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • In that way, a commitment to physical fitness and its various metrics offers leaders greater tolerance for the demanding responsibilities of the role.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • Does that mean Rob Manfred is specifically demanding that drag be reduced?
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Incumbents have run on the perception that the transplants who have moved into working-class neighborhoods are pushing residents out while imposing their politics on more moderate communities of color.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The building should be the most beautiful and imposing structure in the entire state.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The report describes Indigenous patrols in Venezuela allegedly working alongside armed groups controlling mining areas and extorting workers along river routes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • Dozens of armed groups run rampant in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, extorting businesses, kidnapping people and driving farmers off their land.
    Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The 5-star analyst highlighted that Pinterest has delivered double-digit global user growth for ten consecutive quarters, with his May data analysis indicating particular momentum in the second quarter of 2026.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • And Freddie becomes a bag man for the civil rights movement, and the Rumford Act in particular.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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