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

Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories! —Mark Cooper, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Keep your communication direct and grounded so others know exactly where things stand. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026

Photograph from Lionsgate One recent afternoon, Fuqua convened a meeting at his office to figure out how, exactly, this campaign would be brought to life. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

This is exactly the same solution as Fermat’s method. —Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 19 Apr. 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