Synonyms of precisely
1
: in a precise manner : exactly
weighing ingredients precisely
This incremental adjustment is continued until the bubble is precisely centered.—Barry F. Kavanagh
—often used to emphasize the precision of something (such as a measurement, time, description, etc.)
The sample weighed precisely 6 ounces.
We arrived at precisely two o'clock.
She always knows precisely what to do.
He was popular precisely because he was so kind.
She always woke at eight precisely.—P. G. Wodehouse
It is precisely to counter this sort of "negative advertising" that the garbage industry has lately been working hard to change its image.—Elizabeth Royte
2
: quite so
—used to confirm emphatically that what has been said or suggested is exactly correct
"So you think the system is outdated?" "Precisely."

Examples of precisely in a Sentence

I feel precisely the same way as you do. measured the length of the board precisely
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.
But aren’t some of the most valuable things in life – including art and culture – valuable precisely because they are not driven by profit? — Sam Fleischner, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026 More precisely, the solution to Puzzle Two is embedded within the solution to Puzzle Four. — Dana MacKenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 The treatment helps doctors at Northwell Health Radiation Medicine by precisely targeting only the area where cancer was removed. — Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Opponents worry that the changes would mean less money getting invested in rural housing, precisely when housing affordability issues are hitting those areas the hardest. — Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precisely

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precisely was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Precisely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precisely. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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