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

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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

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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 That’s exactly what has everyone excited about the latest protein trend: clear protein. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 June 2025 That real-world experience with diverse hair types is exactly what makes Hairitage stand out. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 June 2025 Still, several questions remain not fully answered, particularly how far exactly the strikes set back Iran's nuclear capabilities and whether Iran was able to move uranium away from the Fordo site before the bombings. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 June 2025 That’s exactly the transformation Ashley Berges invites you to explore. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • The plea comes just weeks before Kohberger's trial was set to begin.
    Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Either way, there’s no wrong answer—just the one that suits your next adventure best.
    Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adverb
  • More precisely, Jews have been subjected to an invidious double standard: attacks, verbal and physical, that would never be tolerated against Blacks, gays and other minorities are not only tolerated, but often justified when directed at Jews.
    Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
  • This was something of a surprise given Carter is regarded as England’s best player in one-against-one duels out wide, and she was probably favoured over Niamh Charles precisely for this reason.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Adverb
  • Justices halt nationwide blocks on Trump policies from lower courts Rather than deal directly with birthright citizenship, the high court instead ordered lower courts to review nationwide blocks on Trump policies.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Informing Simpson of specific issues raised to him by farmers and growers in the area, Commissioner Kirby Smith asked directly how to curb unwanted development.
    James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Adverb
  • The prospect of trying to cut open a stubborn 5-4-1 block in the Orlando heat could have become torturous quite quickly.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The craft beer landscape was quite different when the Maltose Falcons formed their homebrewing club in California 51 years ago.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adverb
  • But holding onto the lead won't be easy, McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are right behind him on the starting grid and hungry for a home-soil win.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • The floral prints just feel right everywhere, from the lavender fields of Provence to the vibrant streets of Lisbon, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool in the hottest temperatures.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
Adverb
  • Paneer Masala Fries At Roots Indian Bistro in Los Angeles, a bold reimagining of California’s beloved animal-style fries, featuring perfectly crispy golden fries topped with generous chunks of creamy paneer cheese and marinated in an aromatic masala blend.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • The perfectly baked eggplant in the borani badajan vege plate was surprisingly not mushy but rather tender.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 5, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025
Adverb
  • Investors can price risk and returns more accurately, making capital markets much more efficient.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Security scanners at airports could more accurately identify objects in passengers' luggage.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 4 July 2025
Adverb
  • In effect, platform engineering principles are all about streamlining and standardizing the development, deployment and management of applications to improve productivity, reduce operational overheads, shorten application cycle times and accelerate speed to market.
    Steve Millidge, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Retro gingham Capricorn is all about timeless style with a tailored twist.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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