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"So you think the system is outdated?"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 the Duo is a more cohesive idea about foldables than most of its Android competition, precisely because Apple has a better app and developer story to lean on. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Abuse of power seems particularly likely when male guards are put in charge of female prisoners, yet precisely this dynamic is the reality in many American prisons. — Judy Berman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Bielfeldt, who is based in Cologne, Germany, said he was inspired by the mystery of how inkjet printers transfer images onto paper so precisely. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 Paradoxically, this dynamic could emerge precisely at the moment when all sides—including the Kremlin—are seeking an off-ramp. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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