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Definition of exacting

exacting

/ɪɡˈzæk.tɪŋ/
ex · act · ing
Adverb:exactingly
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exacting Lexical Profile

exacting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or resources; requiring extreme care, effort, and precision.

Example

"Restoring centuries-old oil paintings is an exacting process that requires immense patience and a steady hand."

2

Having or imposing very strict, rigorous, and high standards (of a person, rule, or requirement).

Example

"The symphony conductor was known as an exacting mentor who noticed even the slightest mistimed note during rehearsals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for exacting

• Nearby Words

exacerbate
exacerbation
exact
exacting
exactingly
exactitude
exactly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century from the present participle of the verb 'exact', which derives from the Latin 'exactus', meaning 'driven out, weighed precisely, or demanded', from 'exigere' ('to drive out, enforce, or measure').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exacting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exacting
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