Definition of exactlynext
1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference we will meet at exactly six o'clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in directly
in the same words a plagiarism suit alleging that one historian had copied large segments of another's text exactly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6

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 Leaning into her acting background has been so smart, and Jan seems to know exactly how to choreograph to her strengths. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026 Calling yourself compassionate doesn't excuse dangerous accusations What, exactly, is hateful about a mother or father wanting their daughter to have a female-only locker room? — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 On a visit to the store Wednesday afternoon, The Star was greeted by a display of potatoes that had exactly seven bags of the starchy staple. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026 Solid, But the Same as the Free Version This suite’s main window looks almost exactly like that of Avira Free Security. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • Ralph Lauren has never just been about a shirt or a piece of clothing.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Yet in many cases, these treatments just aren’t backed by science.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • That threat is precisely why many of our friends and former colleagues in Washington have recently proposed sweeping measures meant to slow China’s biotech progress.
    — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
  • This is precisely why one of your first purchases this season should be a fall jacket for women that complements and enhances your outfit, rather than hiding it.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • That same night, Meyer allegedly transferred $10,000 directly from the same fund account, which held investor money raised to buy shares of online casino operator Playstar.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Theoretically, this means that smaller, independent artists can release their work on social media platforms and directly reach the audiences most inclined to appreciate it.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • In an effort to entice more customers, the operator of the bar announced via Instagram that Saturday nights would be mask-optional—until then the bar had been strictly adhering to COVID-concious masking policies seven nights a week.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Shifting away from the rapid notification approach and relying strictly on mortality statistics generated by NCHS will not provide the surveillance information needed at the beginning of an active outbreak when counts are low.
    — Denys T. Lau, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Nothing hits quite like a pair of $39 Levi’s jeans, and this perfectly stretchy, dark-wash option is just what the doctor ordered.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But just outside the factory doors, time hasn't been quite as kind.
    — Itay Hod, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Brown 17, New Haven 10 On the same day Yale opened its season, UNH fell to 1-3– yes, the Chargers have already played four games– with a loss to Ivy opponent Brown.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Suspicious emails and texts show up constantly, and most spam filters only give a yes-or-no answer without explaining why.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Then Underwood dropped back, stepped up, rolled right and threw a long touchdown pass to Buchanan for a 19-14 lead.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The beach is right there for swimming and paddleboarding when the surf is calm, and the trails through the dunes are manageable for kids old enough to walk them without being carried.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Nothing hits quite like a pair of $39 Levi’s jeans, and this perfectly stretchy, dark-wash option is just what the doctor ordered.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This, the perfectly decent people of Kettleborough reasoned, was a natural and godly rebuke for Susan and Cuthbert’s sin.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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