precise

adjective

pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce precise (audio)
Definition of precisenext
1
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy a machine which takes very precise measurements of brain tumors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in true
following an original exactly a precise translation of the original Greek

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in specific
of a particular or exact sort at that precise moment the lights went out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Pep Guardiola’s side took an early lead when Haaland scored from the penalty spot but was soon pegged back by a precise free kick from Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán. — Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025 These visits followed a ritual as precise as Steinberg’s line work. — Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 In addition, Ukraine has relied on U.S. intelligence data for conducting some of its precise strikes on Russian troop concentrations in occupied territories. — Katya Soldak, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The iterative competition has made the cars faster, the batteries lighter and more powerful, and the software more precise. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precise
  1. accurate
  2. correct
  3. exact
  4. true
  5. specific
  6. mathematical
  7. proper
  8. authentic
Adjective
  • Disaster-prone California has regulations that try to help ensure replacement values are accurate.
    — Ron Lieber, New York Times, 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
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • The Margate man was driving a Ford Focus into oncoming traffic in the inside lane of North University Drive when his two left tires entered the center lane, colliding with the left side of a 2023 Hyundai Elantra that was traveling in the correct flow of traffic, according to FHP.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The legal document details that Lawrence didn’t have the correct paperwork to take her dog, a 9-year-old miniature schnauzer, on the flight and was subsequently turned away.
    — Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of correct
Adjective
  • There’s a guidance system that shows players the exact way on how to reach a destination via narrow roads, but that becomes a problem when the place ends up in a forest or mountaintop.
    — George Yang, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
  • As with the stadium, the exact source of funding is unclear, even if the desire to build both is there, though neither is likely to be completed until well into the 2030s.
    — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of exact
Adjective
  • The 50 Best Beach Towns In The South 2025 How Gulf Shores Became Our Home Which was true.
    — Fannie Flagg, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Because true wealth isn’t just accumulated—it’s activated.
    — Tim Maurer, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Former admissions officers frequently remind students that college isn't about landing at a specific school.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The recall affects specific lots of 1.15-ounce Original Beef, which are sold in 12-count pouches, 8-count pouches, and single sticks.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of specific
Adjective
  • For instance, in 2020, Christopher Hendon's lab at the University of Oregon helped devise a mathematical model for brewing the perfect cup of espresso over and over while minimizing waste.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025
  • And the latter term for one who studies or writes word, logic or mathematical puzzles seems apt for what Gates has deciphered on the job.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of mathematical
Adjective
  • Bulbs that aren't provided with the proper conditions are unlikely to produce flowers.
    — Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
  • However, in Illinois, a lawsuit has been filed against Samsara, alleging violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) for capturing and storing drivers' facial scans without proper consent.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • To find one-of-a-kind spots around the globe that offer transformative experiences, tempting travelers to venture farther and embrace the authentic.
    — Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Japan is known for great, authentic luxury, and the seller has great reviews on eBay (and TikTok).
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of authentic

Browse Nearby Words

précis
precise
precisely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precise. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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