1
: exactly or sharply defined or stated
a precise explanation
2
: minutely exact
precise measurements
3
: strictly conforming to a pattern, standard, or convention
4
: distinguished from every other
at just that precise moment
preciseness
noun
Examples of precise in a Sentence
Be sure to take precise measurements before you cut the cloth.
The dating of very old materials has become more precise with new instruments.
The word has a very precise meaning.
Can you find a more precise term than “good” to describe the movie?
Could you be a little more precise about what happened?
She is very precise in her work.
Recent Examples on the Web
As predicted, that lab was only able to perform the first part of the test, using methods that were less precise than the state-of-the art technology the Texas lab offered.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
There’s a cloud of mystery surrounding the precise contents of the heavy pack, though.
—ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
In one workshop, a robot repeatedly practices a precise task—using two fingers to pick up a tiny screw no larger than a fingernail.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
The skip approach used during Artemis I was intended to allow Orion to target a precise splashdown site.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precise
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Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
There’s a cloud of mystery surrounding the precise contents of the heavy pack, though.
—ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
In one workshop, a robot repeatedly practices a precise task—using two fingers to pick up a tiny screw no larger than a fingernail.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
The skip approach used during Artemis I was intended to allow Orion to target a precise splashdown site.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precise
Cite this Entry
“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precise. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precise
adjective
pre·cise
pri-ˈsīs 
1
: exactly or sharply explained or stated
2
: very exact
precise scales
the precise time
3
: agreeing exactly with a rule or standard
precisely
adverb
preciseness
noun
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