1
as in careful
hard to please
he was shocked when his normally exacting supervisor complimented him on a job well done
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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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exacting
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024
The French have the historical edge, at least of topiary in its most exacting forms, with the grand formal gardens at the Palace of Versailles and swaths of rounded, bubbling topiary at the gardens of Marqueyssac.
—Sophie Elmhirst, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Each gemstone was set by hand in an exacting process by Bixler’s craftsmen.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for exacting
Adjective
The painter’s attempts to capture reality — so exacting, so careful, so prepared — end in what looks like failure.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024
The French have the historical edge, at least of topiary in its most exacting forms, with the grand formal gardens at the Palace of Versailles and swaths of rounded, bubbling topiary at the gardens of Marqueyssac.
—Sophie Elmhirst, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
The settlement was a result of a long-running antitrust case in which the two credit card network giants allegedly overcharged merchants by exacting excessive interchange fees, also called swipe fees.
—Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Each gemstone was set by hand in an exacting process by Bixler’s craftsmen.
—Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for exacting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exacting
Adjective
-
Effective brainstorming sessions require careful planning and prep.—
Nora Herting,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Under Jones’ careful direction, the Bulldogs do not beat themselves.—
Jim Root,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2025
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Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of mortgage products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Stars of Durant’s stature can be notoriously difficult to pin down for interviews.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
But breaking with Russian gas has been difficult for Austria, which until recently was one of a handful of European countries to keep importing the fuel by pipeline.—
Stanley Reed,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Luise, what was the most challenging aspect of this film for you?—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The director William Friedkin’s film—which also won Best Picture—was part of a tidal wave of challenging, morally complex storytelling that washed ashore starting in the late ’60s.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets around Syria including in the capital Damascus demanding protection for religious minorities following the Christmas tree burning, which took place in the city of Hama around 200 km north of Damascus last night.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
24 Dec. 2024
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Jodie Turner-Smith is demanding that her estranged husband Joshua Jackson pay her child and spousal support in their ongoing divorce.—
Edward Segarra,
USA TODAY,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Temporarily suppressing our rational thought and imposing randomness supercharges unconscious processes.—
Hulan Hagen,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
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At the imposing stone Hotel Pordoi, a former church school on the onetime Austrian border, at more than 7,000 feet, the xx plays on the stereo.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Economists say the country’s policies, and its social norms, discourage women in particular from working more.—
Jim Tankersley,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
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Per the complaint, Wiles emailed the AP on Feb. 18, saying that their attention was focused on the AP in particular.—
Caitlin Huston,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Parisian bob, however, is a looser, less strict rendition, with a longer length and a wispier take on bangs—or without them entirely.—
Elle Turner,
Glamour,
1 Mar. 2025
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While seafood imports must meet strict federal safety regulations, this catfish recall underscores the challenges of monitoring international food supply chains.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exacting. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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