accurate

adjective

ac·​cu·​rate ˈa-kyə-rət How to pronounce accurate (audio)
ˈa-k(ə-)rət
Synonyms of accuratenext
1
: free from error especially as the result of care
an accurate diagnosis
2
: conforming exactly to truth or to a standard : exact
providing accurate color
3
: able to give an accurate result
an accurate gauge
4
: going to, reaching, or hitting the intended target : not missing the target
an accurate shot/kick
The next play, Johnson fielded a sharp grounder and made an accurate throw to first.— Joe Smith
5
: tending to hit the intended target
an accurate free-throw shooter
accurateness
ˈa-kyə-rət-nəs How to pronounce accurate (audio)
ˈa-k(ə-)rət-nəs
noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for accurate

correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth.

correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation.

precise calibration

nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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 of accurate in a Sentence

The model is accurate down to the tiniest details. Her novel is historically accurate. The machines were not yet accurate enough to give useful results.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The United States should immediately resume sharing influenza data with WHO’s databases, providing the most accurate picture of circulating strains. — Richard Hughes Iv, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025 Urban Planning By creating highly accurate 3D models of cities, project managers and architects can visualize the entire urban environment, simulate changes and make more informed decisions. — Carlos Melendez, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Tips for Pap Smear Preparation on Your Period Cervical cancer screening, like any lab test, is not always 100% accurate, and certain factors can affect accuracy and comfort during the exam. — Khadeja Haye, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 Disaster-prone California has regulations that try to help ensure replacement values are accurate. — Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accurate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin accūrātus "prepared with care, studied, meticulous," from past participle of accūrāre "to give attention to, do carefully," from ad- ad- + cūrāre "to watch over, care for" — more at cure entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accurate was circa 1599

Rhymes for accurate

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Browse Nearby Words

accurate
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Cite this Entry

“Accurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accurate. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

accurate

adjective
ac·​cu·​rate ˈak-yə-rət How to pronounce accurate (audio)
1
: free from mistakes especially as the result of care
an accurate count
2
: agreeing exactly with truth or a standard
an accurate copy
3
: able to give an accurate result
an accurate gauge
accurately
-yə-rət-lē How to pronounce accurate (audio)
-yərt-
adverb
accurateness
-nəs How to pronounce accurate (audio)
noun
Etymology

from Latin accuratus "accurate," from accurare "to take care of," from ac-, ad- "to" and cura "care" — related to cure, curious see Word History at cure

More from Merriam-Webster on accurate

Nglish: Translation of accurate for Spanish Speakers

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