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.
Estimates vary on exactly how much oil is leaking through, but the upshot is the volumes are substantial albeit still well short of normal. Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 But that’s exactly what Tequila Torrente co-founder Rodrigo Mestas considers himself. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The area Being so tucked away from London’s buzz, whilst still in the heart of it, is exactly what sets this property apart. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 Holocaust survivors and committee members later responded to the criticism by saying this was exactly the point of the sculpture. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 1 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
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