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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

correct answers
socially correct dress

When could accurate be used to replace correct?

The synonyms accurate and correct are sometimes interchangeable, but accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When can exact be used instead of correct?

The words exact and correct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

Where would nice be a reasonable alternative to correct?

While in some cases nearly identical to correct, nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another, in the sense of correct?

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

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related?

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 correct
Adjective
Most restaurants often correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly thereafter. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025 The hearing was held in Boston federal court to determine if the habeas corpus petition on behalf of Öztürk was filed in the correct jurisdiction. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
The fact sheet accompanying the order is wide-ranging: a policy aimed at correcting global imbalances, restoring manufacturing, reshoring supply chains, confronting non-market economies, and ensuring the defense industrial base is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025 The restaurant corrected all the violations, according to a follow-up inspection April 2. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • All were displayed in an austere room designed for examining art works—an oddly formal space for an encounter with one’s past.
    Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This easygoing aesthetic introduces itself in the living room, which doubles as the home’s entry since there’s no formal foyer.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Relatives of a man who died in custody at the main county jail last year has amended its lawsuit against the city to include details of his arrest by Sacramento police that family members say show neglect of his medical needs.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • However, according to legal filings reviewed by Newsweek, about two months prior to that suit being filed, James had amended her own records as part of a real estate transaction.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And forged closer alliances to offset Trump’s chaos.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • They may also be withheld and used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, including student loans.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Detroit doesn’t just punish defensive miscues in the half court.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Of the $15 million that the jury awarded Depp, $5 million was in punitive damages aimed to punish Heard for especially reprehensible conduct.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wear old clothes and shoes Bring flashlights Watch for sharp objects Avoid food waste Wash your hands Be polite and cooperate if you are asked to leave The Fresno Bee 559-441-6005 Fernanda Galan covers Central Valley and California news as The Fresno Bee’s service journalism reporter.
    Fernanda Galan, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Which felt like a polite way of saying the same thing.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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