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Synonyms

dead-on

American  
[ded-on, -awn] / ˈdɛdˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

adjective

Informal.
  1. exactly right, accurate, or pertinent.

    The film director has a dead-on feel for characterization.


Etymology

Origin of dead-on

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Willie Nelson — who sang duets with Duvall at the party — told Village Voice columnist Arthur Bell that “Tender Mercies” was dead-on accurate.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Johnson, known for dead-on impressions of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, was tapped for his ability to spend a lot of time improvising in character, a flair he also shows on his Instagram account.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

The story of Jesus Christ begins with a dead-on parody of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” with Kroll as a Larry Davidian Judas riffing with J.B.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2023

It seems like the “many” only turned out to be a few, but the bit about being a favorite was dead-on — those of us who like the Mini really like it.

From The Verge • Sep. 8, 2022

As far as I can tell, I hit Marth Crater dead-on.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir