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

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 exact
Adjective
Since joining SiriusXM in 2006, Stern’s show has been a staple of the radio giant’s programming slate and been seen as a draw for subscribers (though the company has not quantified the exact size of his listenership). Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 The other winning ticket was bought in Missouri, but the exact location has not been disclosed. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The offensive is expected to displace nearly a million Palestinians and has already exacted a heavy humanitarian toll. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 In the film, Maddie cheerfully navigates the politics of her jealous co-worker (Claudia O’Doherty), exacting boss (Connor O’Malley) and lesbian BFF (Berlant) at the sunny studios of Gourmaybe. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • That forecast proved correct; the revision was -13K per the September 5th BLS report.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • To call Stephen Shore the most precocious photographer in the history of the medium is almost correct.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the research team leader, Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the renowned Zhejiang University, the adhesive can achieve precise fixation within two to three minutes, even in a blood-rich environment.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Whatever, Dever quickly recanted her earlier precise testimony to the FBI about the sinister doings by those two dodgy cops behind Karen Read’s SUV.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Those physically-accurate models in the digital twin of the data center function exactly like their physical counterparts in the real world.
    Marco Chiappetta, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The goal, administration officials said on a call with reporters Tuesday morning, is to use laws that are already on the books to ensure people receive transparent, accurate information about drugs, especially potential risk factors.
    Will McDuffie, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His celebration was subtle yet suave, a drop of his bat with a flick of his wrist.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This is clearly a quick screen and may not pick up more subtle issues.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conclave feels like a very architectural, sparse, mathematical film, [whereas] Ballad felt to me like a chaotic pop opera that explodes at the seams.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • It’s assumed that there are more relationships, and deeper (mathematical) connections, between the particles that are known to exist in the Universe.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In a letter to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, Jackson demanded that the department place Dever on its Brady list, which tracks officers whose credibility has been hit due to alleged misconduct.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The rules currently demand new cars from 2035 must emit zero CO2.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, there’s already a battle in Los Angeles over the $30 wage for workers at hotels and other hospitality businesses imposed by the city council.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His fortune also faced some hits as he was allegedly extorted.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Around that time in 2016, an undercover FBI agent approached Donna Adelson purporting to extort her with information about the contract killing on behalf of Rivera.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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