Synonyms of preciselynext
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"So you think the system is outdated?"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.
The cover over the logo was cut precisely in the outline of the Levi’s logo – leaving no doubt what the tarp was hiding. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 One of the very first gene-editing therapies that the FDA approved for sickle cell disease works precisely by shutting down this modifier gene. Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 By precisely controlling air pressure, the system can bend and straighten each finger independently while also assisting wrist rotation. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 Line arrays work by suspending multiple speaker cabinets in a curved vertical column, allowing sound engineers to precisely shape the direction and throw of audio across a large space. Dave Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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