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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 The next total solar eclipse isn't until May 1, 2079, when a partial eclipse will begin at the precise moment of sunrise and build to a totality lasting 1 minute 32 seconds. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The precise impact of the cuts is not immediately clear, but changes could be coming as soon as this fall. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2025 As individuals repeatedly imagine movements, the AI refines its understanding of these neural signals, enabling more precise control of robotic devices. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025 Rodgers attempted the second-most passes in the league in 2024 and wants to run a precise offense. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • There's a free in-app voice transcription feature too, which is just as accurate as the pricier, stand-alone software out there.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Assuming that number is accurate, Rick would have been born around 1975, probably after Jim started doing business in Thailand.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What Happens Next If Morgan is correct, Harry's standing in the broader royal family may be worse than previously thought.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The correct doneness is when the onions take on a dark chocolate color (approximately 45 to 60 minutes).
    Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The exact streaming date hasn’t been announced, so make sure to stay tuned for updates.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • While Jordan's exact role in the team is unclear, Wallace revealed that Jordan's presence provides a big boost to the team's confidence.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Instructions may vary based on the specific medication.
    Sarah Bradley, Health, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Former admissions officers frequently remind students that college isn't about landing at a specific school.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When sunsets and earthquakes and birth and death are reduced to mathematical equations and scientific and medical explanations, wonder and awe can easily disappear.
    Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The exhibit traces its origin to a mathematical puzzle published in a 1902 newspaper.
    Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a movie can’t be a hit at the international box office without a proper theatrical release internationally.
    Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Why does a team that desires to run the ball well not invest in a proper fullback?
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • To find one-of-a-kind spots around the globe that offer transformative experiences, tempting travelers to venture farther and embrace the authentic.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Japan is known for great, authentic luxury, and the seller has great reviews on eBay (and TikTok).
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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