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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

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 precise This data revealed sensitive details, such as the precise locations where cars were parked, including private locations like people’s homes, government buildings and even questionable spots like brothels. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 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 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 That includes personal identifiers, biometric identifiers, precise geolocation data, personal health data, personal finance data, and human genomic data. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for precise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • If the bookmakers are correct, Makhachev will end 2025 with the UFC title in his hands.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • His administration's efforts to characterize inflation as 'temporary' or 'transitory' in 2021 may have been technically correct, in the sense that the rate of inflation has come down from its heights following the pandemic.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The exact cause of the fire, which killed 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, remains under investigation, and a final determination could take many months.
    Ivan Penn, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2025
  • While researchers were not able to pinpoint the exact cause, some researchers cited hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a decrease in estrogen as possible causes.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Multigenerational families living together is very true to Latine culture in the United States and beyond.
    Zayda Rivera, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
  • And if so, is that a price the WNBA is willing to pay to stay true to its values?
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sponsorship will take center stage at three specific events: the Cook Out Clash on February 2nd, Phoenix Raceway on March 9th, and Richmond Raceway on August 16th.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The association is advocating for the creation of a specific home care visa to help ease the worker shortage.
    Tami Luhby, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These mathematical solutions are designed to be used to replace today’s public-key encryption.
    John Prisco, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Near her face is d/dx, the mathematical symbol for taking a derivative.
    Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Reacting to the decision by the Trump administration to close the U.S. visa section of the embassy in Colombia, Petro said there are thousands of Americans living in Colombia without proper documentation.
    Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The show leaves us with the reminder that without proper investment in healthcare infrastructure, even the most skilled medical teams can be hindered in their efforts to save lives.
    Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As for its authentic green credentials, the Beach Club Explorer Catamaran includes eco-friendly aluminum and sustainable decking materials throughout.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Micro-influencers bridge the gap between brands and communities, ensuring the underserved groups feel seen, understood and valued because of their authentic, relatable communication style and ability to deeply engage with niche audiences.
    Tony Gonzalez, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near precise

Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on precise

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