exact

American  

[ig-zakt] / ɪgˈzækt /

adjective

1. strictly accurate or correct.

   an exact likeness; an exact description.

   Antonyms:

   imprecise

2. precise, as opposed to approximate.

   the exact sum; the exact date.

   Antonyms:

   imprecise

3. admitting of no deviation, as laws or discipline; strict or rigorous.

   Synonyms:

   unbending, severe, rigid

4. capable of the greatest precision.

   exact instruments.

5. characterized by or using strict accuracy.

   an exact thinker.

   Synonyms:

   scrupulous, demanding, punctilious, careful, methodical

6. Mathematics. (of a differential equation) noting that the collection of all terms, equated to zero, is an exact differential.

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verb (used with object)

1. to call for, demand, or require.

   to exact respect from one's children.

2. to force or compel the payment, yielding, or performance of.

   to exact money; to exact tribute from a conquered people.

   Synonyms:

   wring

exact British  

/ ɪɡˈzækt /

adjective

1. correct in every detail; strictly accurate

   an exact copy

2. precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less

   the exact sum

3. (prenominal) specific; particular

   this exact spot

4. operating with very great precision

   exact instruments

5. allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict

   an exact mind

6. based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification

   physics is an exact science

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verb

1. to force or compel (payment or performance); extort

   to exact tribute

2. to demand as a right; insist upon

   to exact respect from one's employees

3. to call for or require

   this work exacts careful effort

Related Words

See extract.

Other Word Forms

• exactable adjective
• exacter noun
• exactness noun
• exactor noun
• nonexactable adjective
• preexact adjective
• quasi-exact adjective
• quasi-exactly adverb
• unexacted adjective

Etymology

Origin of exact

First recorded in 1525–45; late Middle English exacten (verb), from Latin exāctus (past participle of exigere “drive out, thrust out”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + ag(ere) “to drive” + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

If something's exact, it's precise and completely accurate — as opposed to a guess, an estimate, or an approximation. Exact also has the meaning of taking something from someone, often money, and generally only given up with reluctance under the threat of force. The Mob might exact a shakedown from unfortunate businessmen, for example. The word comes from the Latin exactus "exact or accurate," a form of the verb exigere — meaning "to force out or demand," like the Mob demanding its money.

Example Sentences

But for Chinese regulators, "no matter the exact deal structure, sensitive AI technology seen as vital to China's national interests... has found its way into the hands of a major US tech actor".

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Researchers caution that more work is still needed to identify the exact cause and understand what the event could mean for fisheries.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

The plan was going swimmingly—L.A. won 13 of 14 games during the stretch run—until Reaves and Doncic suffered long-term injuries in the exact same game in early April.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

"They taste the exact same" as big-name brands and only cost £1, the 20-year-old says.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Now he had been gone for three days— the exact amount of time Tiamat had been in the barn.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Related Words

• accurate
• correct
• definite
• explicit
• identical
• literal
• perfect
• rigorous
• specific
• true