Definition of precisenext
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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 This simple explanation may be the most precise articulation yet of why Wall Street — despite spending billions deploying AI across trading, compliance, and back-office operations — remains deeply reluctant to hand autonomous agents the keys to anything that actually matters. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 May 2026 Cavities were rare among Neanderthals, but the scientists believe the molar reveals an ability by these hominins tens of thousands of years ago to execute a precise dental procedure. Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026 Determining the precise impact of the latest inflation news will take some time, as these reports reverberate throughout the wider borrowing climate. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 May 2026 Tracking ‘has stopped telling the truth’ The problem with GPS jamming is that it cannot be contained within precise geographic boundaries and does not discriminate between military and commercial systems. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • According to Aliabadi, many patients never felt like PCOS was an accurate name because their symptoms go far beyond the ovaries to include effects like hair thinning, mood changes, and long-term metabolic risk.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026
  • But subsequent reporting found that was not entirely accurate.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Sadly, Luna’s inert fourth feature behind the camera, Ashes (Ceniza en la Boca), is unlikely to course-correct that faltering trajectory.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz declined to say if Cherfilus-McCormick’s decision to resign was the correct one.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Our food director Chris Morocco is spectacular at this exact category.
    Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
  • However, the exact price can also depend on your age, location, and the length of your loan.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rarely were there any true freaks, which was where their sideshow stood out.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The odds usually appeared alone, without referencing any specific sportsbook, but, periodically, text appeared in the ticker saying they were provided by DraftKings.
    Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Police have not released a specific motive for the shooting the suspect's name.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • So banks looked to hire more young people like Phil Calian, whose storytelling skills made up for their lack of mathematical acumen.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
  • At the core is an isolated vault where the original data is securely stored, with no mathematical relationship to the tokens used downstream.
    Ed Leavens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • After all, the key to a flawless beat is proper skincare application!
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
  • Sit down at a proper meal table (not your desk or the car), put your snack on a plate or in a bowl, and take a breath to center yourself before taking the first bite.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh are becoming home to Colombian storefronts and restaurants that are just as authentic as any place in Cartagena.
    Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
  • If enough of these clips rack up enough views fast enough, credulous social-media algorithms interpret the spike as an authentic surge of interest and push the videos to real users, who sometimes generate real engagement, prompting the algorithm to push those videos even further.
    Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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