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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
Put another way, there should be little doubt that deporting violent migrants is the correct policy, one that hopefully causes a considerable improvement in public safety. Douglas Schoen, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2025 Even before President Donald Trump penned an executive order barring schools from using correct pronouns for transgender students, Vanessa Ford and Rebecca Kling were inundated. Kate Sosin, Them, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
This story has been corrected to more accurately reflect the location of the earthquake. CNN, 8 Feb. 2025 This story has been corrected; the ad will not debut during the Super Bowl. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for correct 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate, no matter who is creating the forecast.
    Christine Wiedinmyer, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The 4-foot-diameter (1.2-meter-diameter) telescope’s primary goal is to observe dark matter and dark energy and to create the largest and most accurate three-dimensional map of the universe.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper execution, even the best strategies can fail.
    Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • But Saya gives us a proper introduction with her first full-length record.
    Gabrielle Macafee, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With so many celebrities and A-list attendees on the red carpet, the premiere was packed with designer looks and ornate formal attire.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Though anyone seeking pardons or clemency for a nonmilitary criminal offense can submit a formal petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney through the U.S. Department of Justice, the president is under no obligation to abide by this advice.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • First filed in October, the complaint was amended in December to include Carter's name in December.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • But despite Republicans holding a majority in both the House and Senate, amending the Constitution has a much higher threshold than normal bill passage.
    Chad de Guzman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In its domestic operations unit, AMC Networks said subscription revenue fell 4 percent to $314 million in the fourth-quarter as the company cited declines in linear subscribers, partially offset by streaming revenue growth.
    Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In its domestic operations unit, AMC Networks said subscription revenue fell 4% to $314 million, with the company citing declines in linear subscribers, partially offset by streaming revenue growth.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Turning to a flat rate will simply punish those institutions where costs are highest, such as those in dense urban areas.
    John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Trump has also issued an executive order aimed at punishing pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As the true scale of the fallout comes into view, African governments are wondering how to fill gaping holes left in vital services, like health care and education, that until recent weeks were funded by the United States.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • As for the Bright Midnight archive, the drummer believes that the Doors’ live records are the backdoor into the band’s true genius.
    A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In another artist’s hands, The Return might have become a straightforward show about the corrosion of small-town America, or the incursion of extraordinary violence into polite society—something of that order.
    K. Austin Collins, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The middle son was polite and shy, and looked up to the club’s older boys.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near correct

Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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