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Definition of correctnext
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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
Those included hanging traffic signals, scaffolding, water towers and the correct power lines. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Two guys who coached on the correct side of the ball [defense] chewing it up. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
Johnson assembled this show in part to correct the graphics arts record, which has both marginalized Native practitioners in its annals and left a legacy wound in the popular imagination. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 What can wait beyond the first day Some recovery tasks will continue beyond the first day, including disputing fraudulent accounts, correcting credit reports and following up with creditors. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
Adjective
  • Moreover, the company says automatic workout recognition is twice as accurate as before, with 50% fewer missed activities.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Google says the new model means auto activity tracking is twice as accurate and supports over 100 activities.
    — Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This should be the proper way to handle things, whenever these idiot artists decide to rant.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Among the errors cited in the August 6 report is a failure to allow proper curing (drying) time for the caulk applied to the expansion joints that separate the basin’s concrete slabs.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That year, after Israeli officials castigated Qatar for allegedly financing Hamas, the Qataris began demanding formal documentation of an arrangement the two governments had agreed was meant to provide relief to citizens of the beleaguered enclave.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • With some formal firefighter training and background checks, volunteers commit to following fire officials’ orders, helping residents evacuate and putting out spot fires, while leaving the ferocious front-line flames to the professionals.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • State law allows cities of Roseville’s size to establish council salaries of $2,550 per month, although the city’s charter must be amended by voters before the new compensation rules can take effect.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Vaccaro filed for divorce in April last year and amended her divorce petition to include the domestic violence allegations.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In theory, an onrush of investment in activities like chip manufacturing and data center construction could put upward pressure in general on consumer prices, unless the demand is offset by a new supply of goods and services.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the natural beauty of the Golden State is offset by the graphic body horror of the whale’s innards, built on practical sets by production designer Ramsey Avery and lit by bioluminescence.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • At the root of the crisis is inadequate laws to punish offenders and a poor judicial system, activists say.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Yeah, this is my PhD work, focused on the ways in which soybeans, so legumes, are able to discriminate and actually punish.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The counter-argument that these groups already get the same knowledge from Iran, which gets it from China, Russia, and North Korea, is largely true.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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