right 1 of 4

right

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adjective

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right

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adverb

1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference stay right where you are

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in straight
in a direct line or course walk right over here now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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right

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of right are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and precise. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," 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

In what contexts can accurate take the place of right?

While in some cases nearly identical to right, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When is it sensible to use correct instead of right?

The synonyms correct and right are sometimes interchangeable, but correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When might exact be a better fit than right?

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

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace right?

While the synonyms nice and right are close in meaning, nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How are the words precise and exact related as synonyms of right?

Precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

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 right
Noun
To right the ship, the trustees note that more revenue would need to be collected—like through a payroll tax increase—or benefits will need to be reduced. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 23 June 2025 However, the Canucks seem to want to give Pettersson — another lefty, by the way — another chance to right the ship next season with Adam Foote now running the bench and the Miller debacle fully in the rearview mirror. Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
As a result, reporting hotlines — and the immigrant rights organizations behind them — were overwhelmed with a flood of calls from panicked community members across Southern California and nationwide, wanting information and resources. Victoria Ivie, Oc Register, 4 July 2025 That contrast only deepens my gratitude for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and my loyalty to America for defending these rights. Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adverb
Now, Thomas is absolutely right in showing courage. CBS News, 22 June 2025 That's right, a fully electric plane, carrying people, quietly and efficiently making its way through the skies above New York. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
Just like learning a new language—you’ve got to get phonics right first, not just vocabulary. Bill Hoogterp, Fortune, 6 July 2025 Always rinse your swimsuit in cold water right after swimming to remove chlorine or salt and prevent fabric damage. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for right
Recent Examples of Synonyms for right
Noun
  • And, while very few expect Wales to get out of the group, or perhaps even win a single point in the process of trying, the lack of pressure is viewed as a privilege in the camp.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Authorities on Thursday rolled back restrictions at nine California prisons where privileges had been suspended and inmate movements restricted because of a statewide surge in violence.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Murray and the families had tried to use the order as justification to open claims against Free Speech Systems, which Lopez said cannot be done as the order had already served its intended purpose.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 5 July 2025
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of paralegals and legal assistants to grow slower than the average for all occupations while roles for credit analysts, claims adjusters and insurance appraisers to decrease.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Mounting fear within the Jewish and Conservative communities of New York is that Mamdani’s furtive stance of justice for Palestine and divestment from Israel is stoking the flame of more virulent Anti-Semitism to come.
    Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The presentation — co-sponsored by the Independent Hospitality Coalition, a local advocacy organization for hospitality workers, and Mijente, a Latino social justice organization — was peppered with questions from attendees.
    Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.
    Gina Montaner, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The person behind the schoolboy video, which defended Duterte, claimed to the news agency that the views shared were collected from real students.
    Cecilia Hult, Fortune, 28 June 2025
  • Jordan Campbell: What Filipe Luis has created at Flamengo is a real testament to what having a clear coaching vision can do.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Chicago might get drenched again on Sunday, if those forecasts are correct.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • But that all could soon change with an ambitious project to remove the dam that officials are hailing as a deserved environmental win.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
  • And the renewal is well deserved, with the show’s whip-smart writing and a top cast.
    Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Or that America's founding principles are honorable and created a superpower that leads the world.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Right.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/right. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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