imprecise

adjective

im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
Synonyms of imprecisenext
: not precise : inexact, vague
an imprecise estimate
imprecisely adverb
impreciseness noun
imprecision
ˌim-pri-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
noun

Synonyms of imprecise

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Examples of imprecise in a Sentence

It's an imprecise translation of the original sentence. 3.14 is an imprecise approximation of the value of pi
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These lines bring me to understand that poetry itself is a kind of imprecise naming, but a naming nonetheless. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 But new characters have the harder task of proving themselves to the audience; reality-TV charisma is an imprecise, unpredictable science. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026 Training is an imprecise term, and one only tangentially related to the readiness goal. — David Etue, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 That leap rests on an imprecise view of what practicing medicine actually is. — John Whyte, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imprecise

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprecise was in 1805

Rhymes for imprecise

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Browse Nearby Words

imprecatory
imprecise
imprecision
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Cite this Entry

“Imprecise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprecise. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

imprecise

adjective
im·​pre·​cise ˌim-pri-ˈsīs How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
: not precise
an imprecise estimate
imprecisely adverb
impreciseness noun
imprecision
-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce imprecise (audio)
noun
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