exact 1 of 2

Definition of exactnext
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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

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exact

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
The exact number of possible customers facing shutoffs has not been fully detailed by PG&E, but outages in recent years have been less widespread. Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 May 2026 This is the exact emotional manipulation the Michael filmmakers seem to have been going for. Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Verb
The continuing crisis in Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have exacted a heavy cost worldwide. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 13 May 2026 Every element was created bespoke to Luhrmann and Martin’s exacting standards. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exact
Adjective
  • Sadly, Luna’s inert fourth feature behind the camera, Ashes (Ceniza en la Boca), is unlikely to course-correct that faltering trajectory.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz declined to say if Cherfilus-McCormick’s decision to resign was the correct one.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cavan Sullivan initiated the attack, finding Nathan Harriel, who delivered a precise cross to Milan Iloski for the finish.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • The material is difficult to work with, requiring careful handling and precise environmental conditions to cure properly.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to Aliabadi, many patients never felt like PCOS was an accurate name because their symptoms go far beyond the ovaries to include effects like hair thinning, mood changes, and long-term metabolic risk.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026
  • But subsequent reporting found that was not entirely accurate.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Is there a subtle way to say something?
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
  • Many viewers interpreted the scene as a subtle reference to Sweeney's political beliefs after BuzzFeed reported in August that Sweeney was registered as a Republican in Florida.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • So banks looked to hire more young people like Phil Calian, whose storytelling skills made up for their lack of mathematical acumen.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
  • At the core is an isolated vault where the original data is securely stored, with no mathematical relationship to the tokens used downstream.
    Ed Leavens, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • This shift will only happen if the public demands it.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The device will be evaluated in real operating conditions, with the aim of verifying its performance, robustness, reliability and ease of maintenance in the demanding marine environment.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Although no criminal charges have been filed against Diaz, MLB’s personal conduct policy allows the league to impose significant discipline regardless of the legal outcome.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The Council last year passed legislation imposing significantly more restrictions on outdoor dining compared to the loose regulations allowing restaurants to participate with few barriers during the pandemic.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The report describes Indigenous patrols in Venezuela allegedly working alongside armed groups controlling mining areas and extorting workers along river routes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
  • Marcus Lamb also alleged that three people tried to extort money from him to stay quiet.
    John Seewer, Fortune, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exact. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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