Definition of precisenext
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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 But part of the reason is that even with our most precise and accurate measurements that lead to a determination of the gravitational constant, those various teams and methods haven’t converged on a single answer. Big Think, 6 May 2026 The main advantage here is the driver's physical action is decoupled from the wheels, so there's more precise control in the way braking pressure is applied, and the driver gets more consistent feedback. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 May 2026 Only with more precise measurements of the gamma rays and radio waves that accompany lightning can researchers hope to determine whether one mechanism, or one combination of mechanisms, is the most common. Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026 The two-time James Beard Award–winning chef and Milk Bar founder swung by the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen to show just how precise her Weigh Gram Jewelry Scale really is. Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
Adjective
  • But part of the reason is that even with our most precise and accurate measurements that lead to a determination of the gravitational constant, those various teams and methods haven’t converged on a single answer.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
  • More accurate simulations could speed up drug discovery, improve materials design, and reduce the need for costly laboratory experiments.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The correct volume is 165 million metric tons.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
  • Reinsdorf feels Graham is the correct solution to these problems.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds more homes, apartments to come Later phases of development would include more housing beyond the Westveil subdivision, though exact numbers of units are not clear.
    Rose Evans May 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026
  • The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine for hantavirus.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026
  • The label belongs to a specific time and place, one tied to an age when a popular newspaper column could spawn a multimedia franchise.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The server deploys a hybrid processor that uses an optical tensor engine for mathematical computation and digital processing for system control.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
  • But Dallas doesn’t have time for mathematical regression.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These aren’t just any Airstreams, but ones that have been outfitted to include amenities like a little kitchenette for your morning coffee, a small couch, and a proper shower and restroom.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • Christensen disclosed his relationship with school psychology professor Bryn Harris to the university through the proper channels in late 2025, according to CU’s vice president of communications, Michele Ames.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Pratt's supporters believe his approach will translate to votes because the message is authentic.
    Tom Wait, CBS News, 2 May 2026
  • In fact, Americans of all backgrounds are seeking out new global flavors and authentic experiences, according to market research company Datassential.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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