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as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent gave him the precise amount that he owed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word precise different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of precise are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

When would accurate be a good substitute for precise?

The words accurate and precise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

In what contexts can correct take the place of precise?

Although the words correct and precise have much in common, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When is it sensible to use exact instead of precise?

In some situations, the words exact and precise are roughly equivalent. However, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace precise?

The synonyms nice and precise are sometimes interchangeable, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do right and correct relate to one another, in the sense of precise?

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 precise When applying the dye, use a color brush to get more professional, precise results. Maureen Choi, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025 First, although the current in the ion gauge is proportional to the pressure in the chamber, that proportionality constant depends on a lot of fine details, such as the precise geometry of the filament and the grid. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2025 His precise motive remains unclear. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Paired with the open source screen reader Orca, which acts as a graphical user interface, the MasterCraft engineers get precise feedback throughout the process. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • The Master 4’s sensor remains unchanged, still providing smooth and accurate tracking on virtually any surface, with a maximum DPI of 8,000.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • On a team that has allowed the league’s most sacks, McCarthy must learn from QBs like Aaron Rodgers, still the league’s fastest passer and one of its most accurate.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Though Collier crashed to the court after the collision, the National Basketball Referees Association posted a highlight of the play on social media explaining why officials were correct not to blow the whistle.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • How much glue should there be between the whole thing to get the balance correct?
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The peak of the autumn colors arrives and departs rather quickly, and the exact timing depends on a number of factors.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The exact process for screening adults for autism is still being developed.
    Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By this time, Elio is beginning to confront the reality of Oliver’s eventual departure (and thus, his first experience of true heartbreak).
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • This time, the Cougars feature a true freshman at QB in Bear Bachmeier, who has looked sharp throwing for 518 yards and four TDs as BYU breezed through non-conference play.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For Farley, who marks his fifth anniversary as CEO on Wednesday, there have been industry-wide problems to deal with, as well as Ford-specific issues that the company is still in the process of navigating.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Depending on specific risk factors, providers may recommend one or more of these tests.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To begin with, dissidents in the post-Stalin era, in contrast to their pre-revolutionary predecessors, emerged predominantly from scientific, mathematical, and technical fields.
    Benjamin Nathans September 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
  • And this is almost a reaction, almost blowing up the previous film [Conclave] that was architectural and mathematical and very precise and orderly.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper padding and protection, your device risks scratches, dents, or worse, internal damage.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Additional resources for homeless children and youth Phoenix Union launched a district resource center after Tercero learned some students weren’t attending class due to a lack of proper clothing.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Highlighting this, event ticking site, Eventbrite is seeing a 92% increase in sober gatherings, redefining the traditional night out with a fusion of wellness, music, and authentic community connections.
    Felicia Faber, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The menu features everything from sushi rolls and authentic ceviche to small plates of crudo and edamame.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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