exactly

adverb

ig-ˈzak-(t)lē How to pronounce exactly (audio)
Definition of exactlynext
1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference we will meet at exactly six o'clock

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2
as in precisely
in the same manner he wants to be exactly like his father

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in directly
in the same words a plagiarism suit alleging that one historian had copied large segments of another's text exactly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in strictly
without any relaxation of standards or precision follow the rules exactly and you won't get into trouble

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in quite
to a full extent or degree she listened to the advice, then did exactly what she wanted to anyway

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6
as in okay
used to express agreement "Are you calling me a liar?" "Exactly."

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of exactly What, exactly, did his trade plans liberate the world’s largest economy from? — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 Pattern beauty products, like this shampoo, offer exactly what natural-going girls need, says Brittany Gharring, a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025 Morgentaler says there are different ideas about what exactly is too low and what treatment, if any, men should get. — Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2025 The previous director, Christopher A. Wray, who stepped down before Mr. Trump could fire him, said exactly the same thing as Mr. Patel. — Adam Goldman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
  1. just
  2. precisely
  3. directly
  4. quite
  5. right
  6. perfectly
  7. accurately
  8. all
Adverb
  • That's just the beginning of Natalia's story, though.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • It’s made from 100% luxury brushed microfiber that’s soft and silky, and the filling is just the right weight for all seasons.
    — Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of just
Adverb
  • Scientists can map entire brains at the cellular level, track neural activity during behavior, and precisely switch neurons on or off.
    — Adam Kepecs, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And my colleagues in the Senate, for sure, and some in the House on this side of the aisle, want precisely that.
    — Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of precisely
Adverb
  • Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox.
    — Sam Settleman, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Two other top assistants, attorneys overseeing the criminal division and administration, continue to report directly to the city attorney.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of directly
Adverb
  • There are few experiences that encapsulate the magic of New York City quite like seeing a Broadway show.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • None have made a splash quite like The Devonshire, a Georgian-era Soho boozer that publican Oisín Rogers, Charlie Carroll, and chef Ashley Palmer-Watts have transformed into one of the hottest tickets in town.
    — Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • Abbot finds Robby standing in the same spot, right by the edge.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But equipment workouts aren’t the most accessible to those of us who are on the go, and summer travel is right around the corner, so Pvolve’s latest launch couldn’t come at a better time.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of right
Adverb
  • The matzo balls that come straight from the box are fluffy, and perfectly salty, and just easier to make.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But for something well-rounded, ideally appointment and perfectly located, this is easily the best stay in the city.
    — Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • Alex brings classroom concepts into a real business setting, helping her supervisors build a valuation model that accurately estimates the startup’s net worth.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Liberal children tended to recall more accurately the ratio of desirable and undesirable traits in the characters of the story; their memories possessed greater fidelity to the story as it was originally told.
    — Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of accurately
Adverb
  • But at the mention of Wade, the mood in the room immediately shifted; all around me, eyebrows raised.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is the first time a full season of your show will be dropped all at once.
    — Michael Ausiello, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of all

Browse Nearby Words

exactitude
exactly
exactness
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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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