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

Also, God forbid, but the examining team might need to unstitch a section of the dress, and there was just the slightest chance that it wouldn’t be put back exactly as it had been received. —Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026

Initial estimates did not indicate exactly how much Walz’s proposal would cost in terms of technology fees to upgrade DHS’s computer software. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026

That's exactly where pet wellness brand Foffy is stepping in with a new daily pet multivitamin. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

From particular fabrics and finishes to fibers and materials, experts share exactly what should and shouldn’t be exposed to the Southern elements on porches, patios, and decks. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 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