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 With about 150 meters between the two spacecraft, the amount of stray light that can sneak around the edge of the Occulter’s disk is reduced, leading to more precise observations. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026 Forecasters start to get a more precise idea of the impacts and timing of a system three to four days out. Barry Pintar, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 Clinics often position it as a way to support precise channel creation and dense placement. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026 The microfiber material is ultra-soft with a basket weave texture that adds interest, and the precise stitching enhances durability. Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • The key is to start where friction is highest, whether that’s customer responses, proposals, first-pass marketing copy or product listings, and introduce a simple review checklist that defines what must be accurate, what must never be claimed, and what requires human sign-off.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • As more and more business teams incorporate LLMs into their daily workflows, responses generated must be accurate and reliable.
    Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In other words, these analysts are about as likely to make a correct pick as a corgi on TikTok that predicts sporting-event results by hitting a beach ball into a basket.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The group were also without gloves and the correct climbing equipment for their feet, per the Craven Herald.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe Knausgaard appeals because his characters—including his most famous character, himself—overprocess the world in the exact way that writers themselves overprocess the world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
  • McCuistion said the university is still working through what some of those exact offerings will look like.
    Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Such should be true for tomorrow as well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The app will bring to the fore true voices endorsed by the fanbases.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cities have refused to release personal information about residents unless necessary for the investigation of specific crimes.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Does the client have a specific mental disorder?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That is a mathematical impossibility.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • But that’s a mathematical average, and the super-rich drive the number way up.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The new regulations also require things like hand-washing stations, proper refrigeration and prohibit using generators or propane tanks.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But the greatest demand is for human-centric avatars that can build authentic rapport.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • How authentic is the music on the 'The Testament of Ann Lee' soundtrack?
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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