Definition of exactlynext
1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference we will meet at exactly six o'clock

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2
3
as in directly
in the same words a plagiarism suit alleging that one historian had copied large segments of another's text exactly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in strictly
without any relaxation of standards or precision follow the rules exactly and you won't get into trouble

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exactly But in true Rose family fashion, there was some miscommunication on who exactly was being honored. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026 There are some of the same place at the Seguin Heritage Museum, but none of exactly the same view nor as nicely composed as yours. Paula Allen, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Jan. 2026 Green also said that Steph Curry, who left the game in the third quarter with a sore knee, was called for a delay of game for doing exactly what Thompson did. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026 That in-between energy is exactly what’s shaping this month’s biggest nail trends, according to professional nail artists. Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • In October, Mountbatten-Windsor was ordered to leave the sprawling 30-room Royal Lodge in the heart of the Crown’s Windsor Estate, just outside of London, after his brother King Charles III cast him out of the monarchy over the swirling Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • But to make matters worse, the Patriots, their AFC East rival who were with them with back-to-back four-win seasons, turned around quickly with Mike Vrabel at the helm and Drake Maye turning into an MVP candidate in just his second season.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Schedule Policy/Career is an attempt to disarm that weapon by restoring accountability precisely where expertise and policy are most intertwined.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But that’s precisely what makes Melania such a curious development, the first time in either of her husband’s presidencies that the first lady has planted herself so directly in the spotlight.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • His June assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities had two carrier groups in the region, more there as a counter-weight to any Iranian reprisals than to be directly involved in the attack.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The breakthrough came with a time-of-flight camera, which allowed the flying umbrella to track and follow a user directly, even in the dark.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Schuster said the grant is strictly for environmental assessment, focused on industrial areas and downtown but available citywide, including for private property owners who request it, to determine whether sites are clean and eligible for development.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • This case underscores the commitment of Georgia authorities to protect the integrity of the state's gaming industry and ensure that COAM regulations are strictly enforced.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • For Rios, the celebration hits home — quite literally — as a Bay Area native.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Firstly, in drone technology, operating tactics and countermeasures, Russia has caught up and is quite possibly ahead.
    Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The answer appears to be yes, though with the caveat that the show is probably not going to blow your mind.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • If the answer is yes, dry your tears and wait to see the result when an amateur pushes a professional out of the way on the most important day in a young bride’s life.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Instead of medical responders, the NYPD arrived and shot our son multiple times right in front of us.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Disney’s board then as a result was committed to getting this transition right this time, looking at other internal candidates and a few notable external names.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • To get there, though, many steps have to be taken, from the big ones, like making sure the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion crew capsule integrate perfectly, to the small ones, like ensuring each astronaut's suit fits comfortably.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Present on each album since 2005’s Feels, he has often been credited with samplers and electronics and has always avoided the spotlight; his habit of wearing a headlamp during concerts perfectly epitomizes his studious, workmanlike role in the band.
    Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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