imprecise

adjective

ˌim-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
Definition of imprecisenext
as in inaccurate
not precisely correct 3.14 is an imprecise approximation of the value of pi

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 imprecise County elections officials explained that the activists were relying on imprecise data. — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The large-scale, deterministic behavior of physical systems naturally becomes imprecise and unpredictable, dissolving the divide between the classical and quantum realms. — Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 That language is figurative and imprecise, but many Americans take it literally. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2026 The story is practically impossible to follow, the direction is imprecise, and the whole thing is visually dizzying. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imprecise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imprecise
  1. inaccurate
  2. approximate
Adjective
  • However, working against the backup units, Kilgore has found himself around the ball quite a bit, even picking off an inaccurate pass from Shane Buechele on Saturday.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Rank's defense argued that video from the security camera and from body cameras on scene clearly demonstrated that Special Agent Berger's version of events was inaccurate.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of inaccurate
Adjective
  • The map above shows the evacuation area in red and Tuesday’s approximate fire perimeter as a black line.
    — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The sedan sat poised on the approximate 18-inch barrier on its undercarriage.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of approximate

Browse Nearby Words

imprecations
imprecise
imprecisely
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Cite this Entry

“Imprecise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imprecise. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imprecise

Nglish: Translation of imprecise for Spanish Speakers

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