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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word correct different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of correct are accurate, exact, nice, precise, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When could accurate be used to replace correct?

The synonyms accurate and correct are sometimes interchangeable, but accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When can exact be used instead of correct?

The words exact and correct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

Where would nice be a reasonable alternative to correct?

While in some cases nearly identical to correct, nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another, in the sense of correct?

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

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related?

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 correct
Adjective
Most restaurants often correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly thereafter. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025 The hearing was held in Boston federal court to determine if the habeas corpus petition on behalf of Öztürk was filed in the correct jurisdiction. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
The fact sheet accompanying the order is wide-ranging: a policy aimed at correcting global imbalances, restoring manufacturing, reshoring supply chains, confronting non-market economies, and ensuring the defense industrial base is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025 The restaurant corrected all the violations, according to a follow-up inspection April 2. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.
    Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the case filed with the Singapore High Court, the elder Kwek accused Sherman of instigating a boardroom coup by appointing two new board members without proper vetting by the nomination committee.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • All my Social Security user logins are again able to connect and view the proper benefit information.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • All were displayed in an austere room designed for examining art works—an oddly formal space for an encounter with one’s past.
    Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This easygoing aesthetic introduces itself in the living room, which doubles as the home’s entry since there’s no formal foyer.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Relatives of a man who died in custody at the main county jail last year has amended its lawsuit against the city to include details of his arrest by Sacramento police that family members say show neglect of his medical needs.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The cause and manner of death was amended after a review of her laboratory test results.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And forged closer alliances to offset Trump’s chaos.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • They may also be withheld and used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, including student loans.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By building a social and political movement that gave him coercive power over the GOP, he’s been able to punish heretics and elevate loyalists committed to advancing his agenda and interests.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Nobody who voted for Trump last year did so to punish or annex Canada — or indeed Greenland, Panama or any other place that Trump is picking on.
    Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Some people are strangely triggered and less than polite, especially men and people with migraines who seem to hate it.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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