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
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
Azaria knew exactly what was wrong, but kept his explanation vague.
—
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2024
Winning those three states plus one congressional district in Nebraska would put Biden at exactly 270 electoral votes, the minimum needed to be elected.
—Dan Balz, Washington Post, 13 July 2024
Despite their distinct appearances, both sides are exactly the same in terms of function and reactivity with food.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 13 July 2024
Last summer, when their first pick was No. 17, the Orioles owned three picks in the top 62 and signed their first selection, Vanderbilt outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., for exactly slot value at $4.17 million.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for exactly 
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2024
Winning those three states plus one congressional district in Nebraska would put Biden at exactly 270 electoral votes, the minimum needed to be elected.
—Dan Balz, Washington Post, 13 July 2024
Despite their distinct appearances, both sides are exactly the same in terms of function and reactivity with food.
—Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 13 July 2024
Last summer, when their first pick was No. 17, the Orioles owned three picks in the top 62 and signed their first selection, Vanderbilt outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., for exactly slot value at $4.17 million.
—Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for exactly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exactly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near exactly
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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