exact 1 of 2

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as in precise
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the exact number of passengers on that airplane was 147

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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exact

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verb

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as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority every war inevitably exacts the greatest sacrifice possible from some of the nation's best and brightest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to extort
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats that loan shark can be counted upon to exact repayment of his loan by whatever means necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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

exact measurements

In what contexts can accurate take the place of exact?

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

an accurate description

When could correct be used to replace exact?

In some situations, the words correct and exact are roughly equivalent. However, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When would nice be a good substitute for exact?

The words nice and exact can be used in similar contexts, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another?

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

precise calibration

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

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 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 exact
Adjective
An exact premiere date will be announced at a later date. Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 There was no exact date for the release given and no price point. Sari Hitchins, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
The same exacting ideas about timbre and orchestration, and Mozartean precision, that influenced Weill in the 1920s could even be heard in the later, wildly different works of Morton Feldman. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 The settlement was a result of a long-running antitrust case in which the two credit card network giants allegedly overcharged merchants by exacting excessive interchange fees, also called swipe fees. Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exact 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • If your submission is correct, the terms will flash in the category color and will be removed from the board.
    Billie Schwab Dunn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • But staying invested, in equity markets was correct.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like some of its counterparts, Nosferatu doesn’t say anything precise about the disturbing possibilities that await America in 2025.
    Eric Kohn, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The crane technology includes cameras and alignment guides, anti-sway technology for precise container placement, and motion-dampening controls.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The election certification process is when the results are formally signed as accurate and true.
    Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
  • That remains to be seen, but this year could mark a change in buying habits if the forecasts are accurate.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But planet-scale warming is probably affecting weather basically every day, even if the impacts are subtle.
    Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Cacio e pepe, with its Parmesan and black pepper, is more subtle.
    Lauryn Azu, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This mathematical algorithm analyzes available data about metabolism, then makes predictions on how different chemical reactions and metabolites would act under specific conditions.
    Blaise Manga Enuh, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
  • And Nicole is so good about showing that in a mathematical, technical way.
    Margy Rochlin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Or ISPs could demand payment for speedy connections to specific Internet destinations.
    Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 8 Jan. 2025
  • With borrowing costs climbing, particularly for mortgages, Waller warned that markets may begin to demand higher premiums for risk, potentially putting further strain on both consumers and businesses.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Boston City Council plans to discuss the possibility of imposing a new local tax on sodas and other sugary drinks.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • He was held in contempt last week in the New York case for failing to turn over assets to Freeman and Moss, though U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman has not yet imposed any sanctions on Giuliani for contempt.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Peekskill Central School District in New York is warning families of a disturbing new scam in which criminals use generative artificial intelligence to mimic children’s voices in an attempt to extort money from unsuspecting parents.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Tacopina said the allegations were an attempt to extort money from A$AP Rocky.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near exact

Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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