Definition of exactlynext
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
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 what, exactly, the root cause was has remained a matter of intense debate among both medical and military experts. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2026 Military adventurism has an uncanny habit of doing exactly that. Matt K. Lewis, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026 So, what is Standard & Strange’s unique selling point, exactly? Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026 The researchers hope to extend the research to collect data from patients using wearable devices, which could help pinpoint exactly what the model is interpreting. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • Residents near the park, located off David Drive in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, said they were awakened just before midnight by gunfire and emergency sirens.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Designed to bridge the gap between automotive ease and aerospace innovation, the vehicle targets consumers looking for adventure rather than just urban commuting.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • This was because revenues rose by $141 billion while outlays were $31 billion higher, precisely the same amount as the increase in interest payments.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
  • That is precisely what this pilot is doing.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the CMPD Homicide Unit at 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a detective.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The committee spent $40,000 for tickets, meals, lodging and transportation for a three-day stay in Las Vegas during the event, according to campaign finance records, paying Super Bowl beer sponsor Anheuser-Busch directly.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Campos and her colleagues stress that their role is strictly observational — never to interfere.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • What's more, while binoculars and telescopes will improve the view, equipment isn't strictly required to spot the cluster in the night sky.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2026
  • But the Panthers were also quite consistent in some ways.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Because the research on collagen supplements isn’t a simple yes-or-no situation.
    Sara Braun, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
  • The answer is yes, but with important caveats.
    Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • Outfit 5 This is the outfit that can do it all—take you straight to the office, out to a classy meal, or right onto a connecting flight.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Don’t want tender young shoots popping out when another polar vortex is right around the corner.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • The perfectly chunky, almost-statement shoes feature a lightweight midsole, shock-absorbing arch support, and a deep heel cup designed to keep your foot stable as you strut.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Sure, there is a fine line between delusion and conviction, but on Sunday, the 49ers walked it perfectly.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exactly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!