overprecise

adjective

over·​pre·​cise ˌō-vər-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce overprecise (audio)
: excessively or needlessly precise
an overprecise estimate
Their diction was overprecise, their speech clotted with formalisms …Alastair Reynolds
Wear a watch if you like so that you can time the whole outing, but there is no need to be overprecise about it.Ruth Field
To clothe a simple idea in elaborate or overprecise language results in pomposity or even humor.Raymond George Smith

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overprecise was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near overprecise

Cite this Entry

“Overprecise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overprecise. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!