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as in exact
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent gave him the precise amount that he owed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of precise are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

When would accurate be a good substitute for precise?

The words accurate and precise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

In what contexts can correct take the place of precise?

Although the words correct and precise have much in common, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When is it sensible to use exact instead of precise?

In some situations, the words exact and precise are roughly equivalent. However, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace precise?

The synonyms nice and precise are sometimes interchangeable, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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

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 precise Plus, it's got onboard music storage, smart notifications, Garmin Pay, and superior GPS technology for precise location tracking. PCMAG, 3 Dec. 2024 This involved extensive planning, including precise timing for each frame to ensure smooth motion. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 3 Dec. 2024 Beyond knowing what the terms mean, also know this: Ratings are not precise. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 Clarify decision rights: Instead of job descriptions, be precise about who is able to make what decisions. Julia Dhar, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • Switch to Visible by Verizon Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
  • By seeking a forensic examination to access text messages and metadata, the plaintiffs aimed to move beyond potentially unreliable screenshots to establish a full and accurate picture of the communications, and the court agreed.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Jess, Logan, Dean is the correct Rory Gilmore ranking — Bono and Dylan get it!
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Add the correct amount of wool wash per the label direction.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • An exact closing date wasn’t announced, but it’s expected to shutter in February.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Episodes routinely attract millions of viewers and listeners across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, however, the exact earnings remain undisclosed.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What specific goals will the company focus on in terms of environmental impact?
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Address Specific Pain Points Focus on creating valuable, authentic educational videos that address specific pain points and questions customers face during the research and consideration phases.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But the new research uses mathematical analysis rather than relying solely on human judgement.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024
  • This information from all participating landlords in an area is then pooled and run through mathematical forecasting to generate pricing recommendations for the landlords and for their competitors.
    CALmatters, Orange County Register, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Not long after Friday Night Lights dropped, the rapper finally moved from mixtapes to proper albums, and he’s been a chart-topper ever since.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • With proper care, each patch can be used up to 10 times.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • With a mission of not changing but elevating, Rich ensured Alexandra Foods’ values, quality, and recipes remained the same, continuing Mark and Alexandra's legacy of authentic culinary craft.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The commercial, which celebrates collaboration across generations, was crafted with input from the Sinatra and Davis estates to ensure an authentic portrayal of the legendary Rat Pack members.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near precise

Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on precise

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