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.
When researching this article on Jacquet’s upbringing, The Athletic discovered exactly why Liverpool were so keen to bring the 21-year-old to Anfield after a rapid rise through the ranks at Rennes. David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 By revealing exactly where collective quantum behavior breaks down, the studies offer a clearer picture of what future quantum systems would need to make similar effects possible. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026 What was the reason, exactly, for agents dressing for battle and toting weapons and riding in boats down the Chicago River? Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 And that is exactly the freedom that architects are usually not given in the building process. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster