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 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!"

Synonyms of exactly

• just
• right
• precisely

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

One floor below, institute researcher Stephanie Efthymiou wants exactly the same kind of biobank for NCBRS patients. — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

In response to Sumrall’s first loss at Florida, Saturday is a chance to prove exactly what’s different about his outfit versus those of his predecessor. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

But the Reuters’ investigation could not determine exactly how the alleged collision occurred, and further New York Times reporting found no indication that Ross had been run over using additional bystander footage. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Since Derek Jeter, the last of the Core Four, left in 2014 the Yankees have won the AL East exactly three times. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

exact entry 2 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exactly

• my sentiments exactly
• not exactly

Rhymes for exactly

• abstractly

Kids 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