precise

adjective

pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce precise (audio)
Synonyms of precise
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

Synonyms of precise

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correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth.

correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

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

precise calibration

nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

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

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
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.
By producing pure, highly concentrated molecules that mimic the skin’s natural functions, Lewisham claims her products are more consistent, precise and sustainable. — Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 In general, higher-performing LED systems dominate the top of the ratings, while older halogen designs tend to cluster at the bottom, constrained by lower output and less precise beam control, despite offering advantages in simplicity and cost. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 For instance, China has never mastered the ultra-precise manufacturing required for commercial jet engines or the highest-performing microchips. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Programmable electrodes Researchers maintain exceptionally stable voltage on the electrode surface, allowing the use of electrical potential as a precise dial for programming which ions are captured or released. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precise

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past participle of praecidere to cut off, from prae- + caedere to cut

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precise was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing precise

Rhymes for precise

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Browse Nearby Words

précis
precise
precisely
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Cite this Entry

“Precise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precise. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precise

adjective
pre·​cise pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce precise (audio)
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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