exactly
adverb
ex·act·ly
ig-ˈzak-(t)lē 
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 wrong thing to do
not exactly what I had in mind
2
: quite so
—used to express agreement
Synonyms
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
For blemishes or pigmentation around the face, Pena recommends matching your skin tone exactly to seamlessly conceal imperfections.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
On February 14, 2025, HBO announced exactly who is coming back in an Instagram.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2025
The kid playing me, that little kid was exactly like me, very curious.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
The absence of superstars willing to bring their cachet and calves to the event thrusts Mac McClung, the two-time defending champion who’s played exactly five career NBA games, onto the marquee.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
On February 14, 2025, HBO announced exactly who is coming back in an Instagram.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2025
The kid playing me, that little kid was exactly like me, very curious.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
The absence of superstars willing to bring their cachet and calves to the event thrusts Mac McClung, the two-time defending champion who’s played exactly five career NBA games, onto the marquee.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for exactly
Dictionary Entries Near exactly
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exactly
adverb
ex·act·ly
ig-ˈzak-(t)lē
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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