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

However, these final two games give the Dolphins a chance to do a deep dive on exactly what’s on the team’s roster talent wise because Miami will seemingly put young players in position to play in Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay, and the season finale against the New England Patriots. —Miami Herald, 25 Dec. 2025

The suitcase stands exactly 15 inches tall and measures 14 inches wide and 9 inches deep. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

Payton drew up exactly four combined handoffs in the second half, with Denver playing from behind against Jacksonville. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Dec. 2025

What, exactly, is a Master Cicerone? —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025

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