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right

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adjective

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right

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adverb

1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference stay right where you are

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in straight
in a direct line or course walk right over here now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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right

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word right different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of right are accurate, correct, exact, nice, and precise. While all these words mean "conforming to fact, standard, or truth," 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

In what contexts can accurate take the place of right?

While in some cases nearly identical to right, accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care.

an accurate description

When is it sensible to use correct instead of right?

The synonyms correct and right are sometimes interchangeable, but correct usually implies freedom from fault or error.

correct answers
socially correct dress

When might exact be a better fit than right?

In some situations, the words exact and right are roughly equivalent. However, exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth.

exact measurements

When could nice be used to replace right?

While the synonyms nice and right are close in meaning, nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination.

makes nice distinctions

How are the words precise and exact related as synonyms of right?

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

precise calibration

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 right
Noun
To right the ship, the trustees note that more revenue would need to be collected—like through a payroll tax increase—or benefits will need to be reduced. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 23 June 2025 However, the Canucks seem to want to give Pettersson — another lefty, by the way — another chance to right the ship next season with Adam Foote now running the bench and the Miller debacle fully in the rearview mirror. Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
As a result, reporting hotlines — and the immigrant rights organizations behind them — were overwhelmed with a flood of calls from panicked community members across Southern California and nationwide, wanting information and resources. Victoria Ivie, Oc Register, 4 July 2025 That contrast only deepens my gratitude for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and my loyalty to America for defending these rights. Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adverb
The point is to prove that the physicists were right: time is elastic. Guy Trebay, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025 The threat of 100% secondary tariffs alongside the bipartisan Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill that targets Russian oil sales are the right targets. Daniel Fried, Time, 15 July 2025
Verb
Just like learning a new language—you’ve got to get phonics right first, not just vocabulary. Bill Hoogterp, Fortune, 6 July 2025 Always rinse your swimsuit in cold water right after swimming to remove chlorine or salt and prevent fabric damage. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for right
Recent Examples of Synonyms for right
Noun
  • O'Connor declined to answer questions during a deposition scheduled for Wednesday in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government, asserting physician-patient privilege as well as his right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment.
    Elena Moore, NPR, 9 July 2025
  • The new rule — a privilege that TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry members already enjoy — does not mean passengers won't at times be pulled for additional screening, where they will still be required to take off their shoes for security, Noem said.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • To make sure his company was in good hands and to sidestep nepotism claims, the 75-year-old billionaire sent his kids on a quest: get an MBA, work for a competitor for five years, and spend over a decade rising the ranks.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 July 2025
  • Murray and the families had tried to use the order as justification to open claims against Free Speech Systems, which Lopez said cannot be done as the order had already served its intended purpose.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Criminal Justice Danielle Clark, Riverdale High: Natural leadership ability, dedication to her classes and commitment to club organizations like Skills USA Criminal Justice and JROTC led to Clark’s nomination and being the top vote-getter in the criminal justice category.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
  • Ramaphosa, whose rise to the highest office was built on promises to fight corruption, has been under pressure to act swiftly as political parties and citizens said the allegations called into question the integrity of the criminal justice system.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Among the property's true highlights is its exceptional dining scene— beloved by both discerning locals and hotel guests.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The only thing more impressive is the cast's ability to maintain real, long-term relationships despite spending nearly two decades playing some of the most awful characters on TV.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • When marriages seemed to fail, there was no real option to divorce.
    Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • And Chicago might get drenched again on Sunday, if those forecasts are correct.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • Perhaps in this light, the optional content warning in Expelled really is the correct way to include these types of things in games.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The honor is very much deserved for Ryan, who has been the best pitcher on the Twins over the past few months with an 8-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 116 strikeouts.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • The Athletics receive plenty of deserved flak about playing in Sacramento — which was a purposeful move — while Tampa Bay continues to play elite baseball despite playing home games in another minor-league park (not purposeful) and continuing to pinch pennies.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Or that America's founding principles are honorable and created a superpower that leads the world.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Right.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/right. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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