correct 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of correctnext
1
as in accurate
being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard a real brainteaser with only one correct solution to it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proper
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste painfully correct dress for the state dinner at the White House

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details the correct method for folding the American flag

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

correct

2 of 2

verb

kə-ˈrekt How to pronounce correct (audio)
1
as in to amend
to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from more time will be needed to correct the computer program

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective hopefully the young entrepreneur's professionalism will serve to correct his partner's extreme enthusiasm in the eyes of investors

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to punish
to inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime an insensitive boss who liked to correct subordinates in front of their colleagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 20 May 2026 Betting platforms have to call outcomes accurately or they’ll get dropped from the cable-news scroll, and insiders nudging odds toward correct answers help with that. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
Lennox attributes the pivot more to the industrywide trend of Big Tech correcting staffing levels after overhiring during the pandemic. —John Kell, Fortune, 13 May 2026 Both magnesium and vitamin B12 supplements are most helpful when used to correct deficiencies and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. —Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for correct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for correct
  1. accurate
  2. proper
  3. formal
  4. amend
  5. offset
  6. punish
  7. true
  8. polite
Adjective
  • Yet his account is dead-on accurate, and for proof one need only look to the original Progressives, who were open in their disdain of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • Should one ever want to imagine what a future boutique resort could look like on the Moon, or Mars, a stay at Echo could be the most accurate preview.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Definition of accurate
Adjective
  • After all, the key to a flawless beat is proper skincare application!
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
  • Sit down at a proper meal table (not your desk or the car), put your snack on a plate or in a bowl, and take a breath to center yourself before taking the first bite.
    — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Many other people reject formal education (for other people, though usually not for their own kids) as unnecessary to attaining the highest ranks of wealth and power.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • But, the grande dame here is the two-bedroom Alii Royal suite ($26,000 a night) with an open living and dining space, a formal seating area, a library, and three private balconies.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Definition of formal
Verb
  • Much more likely is that the Virginia Democrats will have to try again in the next election cycle with another vote to amend the state constitution and another referendum to try to get voters to draw a more aggressive map.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • According to a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, lawmakers in at least 28 of the states with tax incentives have introduced proposals to substantially amend the existing tax breaks.
    — Jake Angelo, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Definition of amend
Verb
  • In response, California officials drew — and voters approved — new House boundaries that aimed to net Democrats five new seats, offsetting Republicans' potential gains in Texas.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 16 May 2026
  • To offset federal cuts, Newsom proposed a $300 million fund aimed at keeping $0 monthly health plans available for lower-income Californians after Affordable Care Act tax subsidies expired last year.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of offset
Verb
  • Now, with rates above 5% on home equity products and above 20% on revolving credit card balances, the carrying cost of that debt has become punishing.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • The guilty will be punished in proportion to their offences by the Aunts here on earth and then go on to burn in hell for the rest of eternity, God willing.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Definition of punish
Adjective
  • Rarely were there any true freaks, which was where their sideshow stood out.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Films that would once have sparked competitive bidding are screening to polite attention and noncommittal follow-up meetings.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • The old-school kind where everybody is mostly well-behaved and polite, and the audience scrolls on their phones to stay awake.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Definition of polite

Browse Nearby Words

corrals
correct
correctable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/correct. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of correct for Spanish Speakers

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