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 wrong thing to do

not exactly what I had in mind

2

: quite so

—used to express agreement

Synonyms

• 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

And yet, that’s exactly what Instagram is now encouraging: to share the imperfect, the unfinished, the vulnerable. —Bryanna Symone, Essence, 10 July 2025

Arguably only McLaren and Sauber got it exactly right on Sunday. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 July 2025

That's exactly what Kevin Bacon did Tuesday to celebrate his special day. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 9 July 2025

Read more: Report: Lakers, Bulls Connected as Possible Trade Partners Joining forces with Doncic and LeBron James could be exactly what Ayton needs to take the next step and play up to his full potential. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 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