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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
Alexander-Arnold is not unique in being held to a different, more exacting standard than the vast majority. Rory Smith, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025 By his fourth season, the team had a losing record and players were complaining that Bradley was too exacting. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
The dual pressures of addiction and burnout are exacting a steep toll on America’s entrepreneurs and executives. Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Playing, winning, is exacting its toll in the form of pain. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exacting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting
Adjective
  • Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.
    Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And Martin says the uncertainty about insurance rates is yet another good reason to be careful on the road.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Every debt-relief product review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of debt-relief products.
    Dana Miranda, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Taking the rigorous steps to join the community opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The transition can be extremely difficult for some.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is likely due to high interest rates and a challenging inflationary environment.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Preserving that right to choose is what will help the Maryland economy flourish and grow during economically challenging times.
    Albert R. Wynn, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Everest's unpredictable weather and difficult breathing conditions make this one of the most physically and mentally demanding climbs in the world.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Israel is demanding the release of all the remaining hostages, living and dead, with stages of a ceasefire in between releases, according to the ministry.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It could be argued that imposing retaliatory tariffs on electricity exports might encourage American states to seek more cost-effective energy alternatives, particularly those based on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • These executive orders have addressed a broad range of policy areas, including imposing tariffs that has escalated trade tensions and provoked retaliatory measures from foreign governments.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In his reply to Gordon-Levitt, Shatner also explained why that particular date was chosen in the first place.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration has demanded that universities dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, and suppress student protests on campus, in particular related to the war in Gaza.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For those that don’t know, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 7 Years is a traditional Kentucky bourbon adhering to strict requirements—100 proof, aged at least four years and produced in a single distilling season.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Oral arguments will be heard in the landmark case on Wednesday, pitting claims of religious freedom against efforts to maintain strict separation of church and state.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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