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.
Experts have questioned exactly what role the Salvadoran troops are playing in Haiti. — Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026 Infrastructure inspection is exactly the kind of boring but highly practical application that modern airships excel at, Grossman says. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026 However, Apple hasn't disclosed exactly how many devices are affected or identified what's causing the screens to crack. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 And who exactly is that shadowy figure standing at the bottom of your bed? — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 29 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

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Cite this Entry

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