precise

adjective

pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs 

1

: exactly or sharply defined or stated

2

: minutely exact

3

: strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention

4

: distinguished from every other

at just that precise moment

preciseness noun

Synonyms

• accurate
• close
• delicate
• exact
• fine
• hairline
• mathematical
• pinpoint
• refined
• rigorous
• spot-on

Choose the Right Synonym for precise

correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth.

correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers

socially correct dress

accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

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

precise calibration

nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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

Examples of precise in a Sentence

Be sure to take precise measurements before you cut the cloth.

The dating of very old materials has become more precise with new instruments.

The word has a very precise meaning.

Can you find a more precise term than “good” to describe the movie?

Could you be a little more precise about what happened?

She is very precise in her work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not all video game adaptations are built equally, and while The Super Mario Bros. Movie can be a treasure trove of references to the video game series' long history and loose storytelling, sometimes, as the Fallout games showcase, a more precise tool is needed for a specific job. —Richard Newby, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

The exact form an attack on Israel might take, what kinds of targets would be involved and the precise timing all remain unclear. —Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

At the moment the Heat’s two leading men had those precise statistics, Dallas had opened up a 58-38 first half lead, thanks to 10 for 19 first half shooting and typical big nights from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024

On Earth, those zones are set using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which reflects a weighted average measurement of hundreds of extremely precise atomic clocks placed around the globe. —Kai McNamee, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024

Its dimmer light encourages the pupil to dilate, leaving its cells vulnerable to ultraviolet light in the precise place where the eye discerns fine detail in a beautiful landscape or face. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024

The sensitive basal thermometer can detect 1/100 of a degree to offer a precise and accurate measurement. —Latifah Miles, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024

There are also significant safety precautions and precise application conditions involved. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

While the forecast will not be precise until roughly 24-48 hours before the eclipse, the sky is expected to be clear, or featuring only high clouds, which won’t obscure the eclipse, across New England. —Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past participle of praecidere to cut off, from prae- + caedere to cut

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precise

• to be precise

Kids Definition

precise

adjective

pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs 

1

: exactly or sharply explained or stated

2

: very exact

precise scales

the precise time

3

: agreeing exactly with a rule or standard

precisely adverb

preciseness noun