PRECISE Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

precise

adjective

pri-ˈsīs

Definition of precise next

as in accurate

meeting the highest standard of accuracy a machine which takes very precise measurements of brain tumors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in correct

being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard gave very precise answers to the members of the investigative committee

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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

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as in true

following an original exactly a precise translation of the original Greek

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as in specific

of a particular or exact sort at that precise moment the lights went out

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Moscow has accused Washington of using the intelligence gathered to provide precise targeting data for Ukrainian missile attacks. —

Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Even the Australian Navy, which has purchased some of these submarines, is not privy to their precise inner workings, James Acton, a co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told me. —

Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025 The slim stick design allows for precise application, while the formula provides full coverage pigment that effortlessly glides on. —

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for any survivors. —

Lolita C. Baldor, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for precise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise

Adjective

The 4-foot-diameter (1.2-meter-diameter) telescope’s primary goal is to observe dark matter and dark energy and to create the largest and most accurate three-dimensional map of the universe.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate, no matter who is creating the forecast.

— Christine Wiedinmyer, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025