1
as in careful
hard to please
he was shocked when his normally exacting supervisor complimented him on a job well done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rigorous
not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards
the prep school's exacting standards for admission
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3
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
the new recruits had to adjust themselves to the exacting discipline of military life
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4
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
writing will always be an exacting task
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in demanding
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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2
as in imposing
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in extorting
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exacting
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
On a quiet hillside above the Mediterranean, far from the industrial pulse of early 20th-century England, one of the most exacting minds in automotive history found his rhythm.
—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Richard Carleton Hacker,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
But those standards are exacting.
—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacting
Adjective
The moral complexities of the story – based on true events – are particularly well underlined by the exacting visual style and strong performances.
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
On a quiet hillside above the Mediterranean, far from the industrial pulse of early 20th-century England, one of the most exacting minds in automotive history found his rhythm.
—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Accordingly, the cigars that stood out to us when compiling this year’s list of premier smokes were the ones made by producers with a real sense of heritage, an exacting focus on craftsmanship, and a willingness to wait for optimum results.
—
Richard Carleton Hacker,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
But those standards are exacting.
—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exacting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting
Adjective
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Determination and careful calculations — hold on, carry the 2 — are a must.
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Graduate students face lower federal limits and the loss of Grad PLUS, requiring careful financial planning.
Adjective
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Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
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This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.
Adjective
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Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
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Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
Adjective
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This enduring legacy, underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, preserving the rule of law even when challenging authority.
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Educate your family on our country’s history, both good and challenging.
Verb
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Moreover, despite the faster processing time, the material retains the characteristics required for demanding aerospace applications.
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Originally designed for fighter pilots, the Avenger collection is built for demanding environments where precision and durability are essential, according to the company.
Verb
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In its latest state budget that is expected to be voted on by the legislature this week, North Carolina is imposing a 6% tax on net trading fee revenue from prediction markets operating within the state, according to WRAL.
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Colombia wasted no time imposing itself on the Portugal defense, taking two shots in the opening minutes, the first a header by Cordoba after a Diaz shot was deflected, and another by Rodriguez that went wide.
Verb
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In April of that year, Michael Spilotro and a third brother, Victor, were charged with extorting money from two businesses associated with prostitution and using violence to enforce their demands, UPI reported at the time.
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The report describes Indigenous patrols in Venezuela allegedly working alongside armed groups controlling mining areas and extorting workers along river routes.
Adjective
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The Supreme Court’s rulings have landed with particular force in South Florida, which is home to the largest share of Venezuelan immigrants in the country.
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And Ormund Hightower appears to be very capable at this particular game, which should come as no surprise given Otto was his uncle and the Hightowers are wildly rich and powerful.
Cite this Entry
“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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