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

For fans who’ve followed Sudwerk through the rise, peak and current contraction of American craft beer, the move may be bittersweet but not exactly shocking. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2026

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and that's exactly why beautiful paint colors are subject to overuse. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

In 2008, Notre Dames Center for Research Computing (part of University of Notre Dame in Indiana, United States) proposed and pioneered exactly this concept. — Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Kish, who won the reality cooking competition in 2013 and joined as host just two years ago, knows exactly what to attribute Top Chef’s longevity to. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 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