Synonyms of exactly
1
a
: in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition
It's exactly 3 o'clock.
these two pieces are exactly the same size
b
: in every respect : altogether, entirely
That was exactly the right thing to do.
not exactly what I had in mind
2
: quite so
—used to express agreement
"This is not worth the effort." "Exactly!"

Examples of exactly in a Sentence

The levers need to be exactly positioned. we will meet at exactly six o'clock
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.
The deal appears to be in its early stages, as both sides have not revealed exactly how CNN will incorporate Google’s AI efforts to drive audiences toward its journalism. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Red on leather, for example, does not look exactly the same as red on cashmere, even when two garments share the same shade. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 We had been gone for three weeks, privileged travelers on vacation, exactly like the others in the morning crowd. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 So this microbe—what’s so special about it, and what exactly is it supposed to do? — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exactly

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exactly was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

exactly

adverb
1
a
: in an exact manner
do exactly as you're told
b
: so as to match fact or a state
at exactly three o'clock
exactly the same size
c
: in every way : altogether
that was exactly the wrong thing to do
not exactly what I had in mind
2
: quite so : just as you say
—used to express agreement
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