EXACTING Synonyms: 298 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

exacting 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzak-tiŋ

Definition of exacting

as in careful

hard to please he was shocked when his normally exacting supervisor complimented him on a job well done

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigorous

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards the prep school's exacting standards for admission

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort the new recruits had to adjust themselves to the exacting discipline of military life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention writing will always be an exacting task

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exacting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exact

as in demanding

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

as in imposing

to establish or apply as a charge or penalty vowed to exact a heavy fine from any hockey player engaging in such outrageous behavior on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In the clip, Lu jokingly recalled being asked to pay $60 to check a backpack that just barely exceeded Spirit’s extremely exacting carry-on dimensions. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2026 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

Verb

This horrendous act leads a grieving but determined Ruthye to Kara Zor-El, dead set on exacting revenge for the killings and using our Supergirl to help get her to the culprit. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 24 June 2026 The masterclass also highlighted Chen’s exacting approach to directing performances. — Marcus Lim, Variety, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exacting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting

Adjective

But the series is careful to cast suspicions in a multitude of directions, not merely at Michael but at several people in Sarah’s orbit who only reveal themselves when backed into corners.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
Since pilot and crew remains may also still be buried underground, careful excavation work is even more important.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Then again, allowing American companies to sell BPC-157 for human use could create the impression that the peptide, which hasn’t passed through the rigorous process the FDA uses to approve new drugs, nonetheless has the agency’s blessing.

— Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Hydrogen requires specialized storage systems, dedicated airport infrastructure, and rigorous safety standards.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

Unlike dogs, they cannot simply be taken on longer walks, often resist dietary changes, and can be difficult to medicate consistently, making GLP-1 therapies potentially attractive if clinical trials prove successful.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Their stories recount the devastation to homes and businesses, life in temporary shelters, and the difficult process of rebuilding or relocating.

— Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Definition of difficult

Adjective

The method also relies on multiple Bell tests and assumptions about independent quantum sources, which could make large-scale implementation challenging.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
His 15-point first half Thursday included two threes, a high-degree-of-difficulty turnaround jumper and another challenging jumper.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of challenging

Verb

For airlines operating demanding long-distance routes, the engine’s record of performance provides a strong foundation for the next phase of global fleet expansion.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Aktar’s work is demanding, with each worker expected to produce thousands of garments a day.

— Al Emrun Garjon, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Definition of demanding

Verb

Page, an imposing figure in his double-breasted suit, can add a seductive lilt to his booming bass or an icy edge that provides a peek into his embittered soul.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Many of Jones’ policy goals, like imposing congressional term limits, are ambitious proposals that would require sweeping majorities to pass, which Jones anticipates debating.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of imposing

Verb

According to the complaint, DGCIM officers repeatedly beat him, fractured his back, administered electric shocks — including to his genitals — and threatened to kill him while extorting money from his wife.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Across the globe, prosecutors said, the organizations preyed on lower-income members of the Indian community, either pressing them into service of the gangs or extorting them.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of extorting

Adjective

According to the laws of the game, the break between halves should be no longer than 15 minutes but FIFA has been quite vague about the rules for this particular tournament.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Hair grows in different cycles, and the laser only affects hairs in a particular phase of their growth.

— The Editors, Robb Report, 19 July 2026

Definition of particular

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Style

“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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