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

Data centers will not follow aviation’s path exactly, but the shape of this moment is familiar. — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

But thanks to his wife, a little bit of Roddenberry finally made it to space almost exactly one year after his death. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026

There’s no shortage of detailed guides telling visitors to Paris where exactly to eat and drink. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Our associate in arts students know exactly where their Valencia degree can take them. — Kathleen Plinske, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 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