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

Those compact, quick shooting mechanics have been mostly used as a catch-and-shoot specialist in the corners and on the wing, exactly the kind of attempts he’ll be asked to take next to Steph Curry and De’Anthony Melton. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

That is exactly the kind of inspiration Disney believed great experiences should create. — Jack Kennedy, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Sunday was exactly the kind of game the Red Sox likely would have lost earlier in the season. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

That’s exactly the problem that Ubtech is trying to solve with its product. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 July 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