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 At least, nothing that happened before the Canadiens and Lightning met for Game 1 exactly two weeks ago. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 Then downstairs in the filthy little basement, where there's the stone butt carved into the wall, people knew exactly what to do. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026 The corporate margin is at an all-time peak exactly as the household margin faces a severe constraint. Katica Roy, Fortune, 2 May 2026 But little is known about how, exactly, information spreads across these mycelial networks. ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • When the king talked about his Christian faith, GOP lawmakers were rowdier than Democrats, many of whom offered just tepid applause.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Then, not only that, just to be able to cash in, that’s like the next step there.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Attenborough, more precisely his voice, closed out the night.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
  • Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with rats and mice—or, more precisely, with their droppings, urine, and saliva.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • That kind of spending has no cap — unlike donations directly to a campaign, which are capped at $1,000 per election.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
  • One of the biggest draws, however, was reportedly the private elevator entrance that opens directly into the apartment, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • Western governments and the International Atomic Energy Agency have raised alarms over Iran’s enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels and disputes over inspections, while Tehran insists its program is strictly civilian.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • As such, reducing your cat’s protein intake should only be done if strictly necessary and under your veterinarian’s supervision.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The short answer is yes, but there is a right way to freeze the fruit and use it afterward.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
  • Traders on predictions markets swap contracts of yes-or-no questions, and profits and losses are dictated by the market.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The ball slid right underneath his glove, allowing two runs to score, and Semien to end up at second.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This is basically every aerophobic flier’s worst nightmare, and Harlin does a solid job of maintaining the fear factor and shock right up to the moment of Rich’s decision to dump fuel and ditch, since the nearest airport, Guam, is out of range.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • To have a rocket launch with astronauts on board go perfectly well is even more amazing.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 May 2026
  • In one study, 64 percent of the time, the mongooses managed it perfectly.
    Big Think, Big Think, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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