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 Researchers think this is because walking is a highly dynamic behaviour that requires precise timing across both sides of the body. New Atlas, 1 July 2026 Yet that was the precise reaction when Akai unveiled the MPC Sample. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026 Financial markets depend on precise timing to synchronize transactions. Mariam Sorond, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 For nearly 264 years, the precise location of the battlefield Washington found himself in during the French and Indian War remained a mystery. Salena Zito, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • ISPs would be well within their rights to advertise accurate monthly prices and charge those exact prices on monthly bills.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jevremovic sued him for defamation in December but a judge threw out the case, citing that it hadn’t been filed in the correct jurisdiction.
    Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Croatia still furious Despite the correct decision being made, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić was far from happy, saying VAR had ruined the spirit of the game.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Miller’s exact dress from Debute London, which features a bustier top, lace trim, and a short hemline, is a great example of the details that turn the trend more contemporary, while still nodding to its nostalgic, charming nature.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • Essence is a founder standing in front of tens of thousands of the exact customers a corporate channel would have charged a fortune to reach and gatekept anyway.
    Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.
    Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Multiple readers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and 11Alive viewers have reached out to me with this specific concern.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • The evidence-free governance theorists dangerously ignore the value of wisdom from actual experience beyond misleading abstract mathematical equations which neglect the genuine impact of leaders.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • OpenAI’s o1 model illustrated this clearly on hard mathematical reasoning benchmarks.
    Ashutosh Saxena, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • His authentic character and fearlessness in the face of adversity will live on forever through this distinguished award.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • This authentic modeling is crucial for daughters to develop a healthy body image and break cycles of self-criticism.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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