exact 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of exactnext
1
as in correct
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard maybe I wasn't being very exact when I said I had done it a million times—but it sure seemed like it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in precise
being neither more nor less than a certain amount, number, or extent the exact number of passengers on that airplane was 147

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accurate
following an original exactly an exact replica of an aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy the company stresses that its optical telescopes are exact instruments and should not be handled as toys

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in mathematical
meeting the highest standard of accuracy in order for the blind to fit properly, we must have the exact measurements of the window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exact

2 of 2

verb

ig-ˈzakt How to pronounce exact (audio)
1
as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority every war inevitably exacts the greatest sacrifice possible from some of the nation's best and brightest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impose
to establish or apply as a charge or penalty vowed to exact a heavy fine from any hockey player engaging in such outrageous behavior on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to extort
to get (as money) by the use of force or threats that loan shark can be counted upon to exact repayment of his loan by whatever means necessary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exact are accurate, correct, nice, precise, and right. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

In what contexts can accurate take the place of exact?

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

an accurate description

When could correct be used to replace exact?

In some situations, the words correct and exact are roughly equivalent. However, correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When would nice be a good substitute for exact?

The words nice and exact can be used in similar contexts, but nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How do precise and exact relate to one another?

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

precise calibration

How are the words right and correct related as synonyms of exact?

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 exact
Adjective
Retirement plan take-up isn’t an exact proxy for new job creation, of course. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 The exact cause of the fire was not known, fire officials said. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
Even then, Jacobs’s exacting vision, and his tension with his own industry, was apparent. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026 Land competition is fierce, and site requirements are exacting. — Brian Cross, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
  1. correct
  2. precise
  3. accurate
  4. subtle
  5. mathematical
  6. demand
  7. impose
  8. extort
Adjective
  • Processor defenses leave a tiny opening Modern processors improve performance by predicting which path a program is likely to follow and beginning the work before the correct path is confirmed.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Officials said the school also improved its graduation rate from 75% to 95% and its faculty saw in the number holding the proper credentials — from 43 to more than 90 who have the correct subject matter licenses.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of correct
Adjective
  • Managers’ coaching becomes more precise, data-driven and actionable.
    — Raghu Krishnaiah, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The precise spectacle changes daily because balloons travel with the wind rather than following a fixed route.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of precise
Adjective
  • The more accurate framing is that many of these fees are supplier-imposed and disclosed in booking terms that travelers frequently do not read in full.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Maher noted that many of those candidates were heavy favorites to win but agreed that his statement was not accurate.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • Greenspan was renowned for his formidable data-crunching capabilities, sharp reading of market psychology, and subtle, often elusive communication style.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • About a decade later, the researchers Simon Broadbent and John Hammersley — wanting to understand the carbon filters in gas masks — developed a mathematical model.
    — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Golden Mean, created by Kyrsten Mate and Jon Sarriugarte, takes its form from the mathematical golden ratio.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mathematical
Verb
  • The Grammy winner claims Keren Urinov, who worked on her 2025 tour, demanded a 15-year employment contract.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • What happened next changed the young United States, forcing people to question the line between law — which protected slavery — and justice, which demanded resistance to that law.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of demand
Verb
  • And while several Asian countries imposed emergency measures to conserve fuel, a lengthy and catastrophic shortage never materialized.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of impose
Verb
  • Some cyber criminals may be trying to extort money from a victim.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Clement later successfully extorted one of Roshanki’s friends for $5,000 in drug proceeds, then insisted that Roshanski owed him money for drugs and fraud.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of extort

Browse Nearby Words

exacerbating
exact
exacted
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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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