not exactly

phrase

informal

1

—used in speech as a mild way of saying "no" especially to indicate that what someone has said is not completely correct or true

"He's your boss, isn't he?" "Not exactly."

"Did everything go the way you planned it?" "Not exactly."

2

—used as a humorous or ironic way to say "not"

He's not exactly the smartest guy I've ever met.

Examples of not exactly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trust in pharmaceutical companies is not exactly high at the moment. — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

For perspective, listen to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who is not exactly excitable or prone to exaggeration. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 July 2026

One standout group within technology on Friday is software — not exactly a surprise considering the weakness in hardware. — Kevin Stankiewicz,natasha Abellard,jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026

In recent years, three Manhattan community boards — local bodies not exactly known for taking away street space from cars — have called on City Hall to install a busway on 42nd Street. — John Surico, Curbed, 24 July 2026

Rhymes for not exactly

• abstractly