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 But in order to disguise what is afoot, in a party-line vote in both houses of the General Assembly, Democrats prescribed the precise language that must appear on the ballot informing the voters what Question 3 will do, if passed. — Chris West, Baltimore Sun, 19 Sep. 2026 The sharp, precise ends add a dramatic flair to the look, and the blonde hue gives it a modern edge. — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026 In addition, Apple says that the S11 gives the Ultra 4 the most accurate step tracking of any smartwatch, with machine-learning algorithms that enable more precise distance measurements. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026 The production, under Evans’ precise direction, manages to find a tone that might be paradoxically described as emotionally resonant neutrality. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • Still, drugmakers are increasingly homing in on narrower and potentially more accurate drug targets as science reveals more of cancer's remarkable molecular diversity.
    — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Relevant facts can be included to help create an accurate account.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But Coulter is correct that complying with Act 372 will require, well, compliance efforts.
    — Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Election officials determined my eligibility, prepared and sent the correct ballot and accepted it under applicable law.
    — Lee Moak, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The exact terms of the PWHL’s loan, including the value of the league’s intellectual property, were not disclosed in the documents.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • An underfunded, conditional, or incomplete proposal may not qualify, but that determination depends on the offer’s exact wording and the governing law.
    — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a world where true-crime shows of both the fictional and nonfictional variety run rampant on our screens, that’s probably not a bad corporate strategy.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In Cuba, for instance, the single format is dominant, and very few artists have dared to create a true concept album.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Each implant can be programmed to recognize pulses with specific voltages and durations, allowing the network to selectively activate individual devices.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The category rankings offer a more specific read on what buyers want.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But regardless of whether the path to solving the full Navier-Stokes problem requires a clever new blowup or a whole new mathematical discipline, everyone is becoming more hesitant to bet against the machines.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026
  • For now, their findings establish that changing the rules of probability does not necessarily remove the mathematical conditions that prevent rational agents from agreeing to disagree.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The proper accounting of military fatalities has implications beyond public transparency.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Authentic Detroit pies, with a twist The most recent newcomer to the scene aspires to be the most authentic.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The environment should feel authentic to the personality of the brand.
    — Anna Vladimirova, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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