1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference
we will meet at exactly six o'clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in quite
to a full extent or degree
she listened to the advice, then did exactly what she wanted to anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in yes
used to express agreement
"Are you calling me a liar?" "Exactly."
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exactly
Playing into the character is exactly what the judges want from someone like Juicy.
—
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
However, occasionally, the seasons can throw us a curveball and these may not sync up exactly as planned.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
But when is Eid al-Fitr, exactly?
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
And, given recent events, maybe that’s exactly what the Twin Cities area needs right now.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
However, occasionally, the seasons can throw us a curveball and these may not sync up exactly as planned.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
But when is Eid al-Fitr, exactly?
—C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 14 Mar. 2026
And, given recent events, maybe that’s exactly what the Twin Cities area needs right now.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
-
Futures pricing suggests policymakers won't consider easing until at least September, more likely October, and even then just a single cut this year.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The Tax Foundation projects Van Hollen’s plan would cost the Treasury just under $180 billion over 10 years on a dynamic basis.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Democrats understand precisely what all of this means politically.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
That’s precisely why the state should stay the course, Roedner Sutter said.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The sweeping changes, if passed by the state legislature, would consolidate all Medicaid billing under a fee-for-service model through which the state directly pays providers for services rendered.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The result is a rapidly emerging Chinese model of AI—less centered on chatbots and more on embedding intelligence directly into the machinery of the real economy.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
For instance, Orthodox Judaism, a branch of the religion that more strictly adheres to Jewish law, doesn’t typically allow female clergy.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Trading volume and frequency must remain strictly controlled.—
Nishant Pant,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
But, as the historian and New Yorker contributor Daniel Immerwahr points out, these latest American acts of aggression represent something quite different.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2026
-
His family is not quite as enthusiastic.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Kalshi will start offering yes-or-no contracts tied to Brazil’s economy, on events such as changing inflation and interest rates in the country, co-founder Luana Lopes Lara said.—
Katherine Doherty,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The answer to your question is yes, add him.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Oreade, the fine dining restaurant, is where Chef Riccardo Bacciottini unleashes his creativity and technical prowess, using local ingredients (many plucked right from the hotel’s gardens) to make sublime dishes like tomato tartare with basil and miso or artichokes confited with pepper sauce.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
-
As the doc unfolds, Mayeri walks right into the darkest stuff the girls experienced (and which nearly ripped them apart), from drugs and alcohol to abusive relationships and deep tragedy.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The two layers of moist, flavorful cake pair perfectly with creamy cream cheese frosting.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
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The classic polka dots and square neckline are perfectly on-trend for this season, while the lightweight rayon fabric folds up easily for convenient suitcase storage.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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