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 From the jump, Quinta Brunson has been rewarded for doing exactly what Quinta Brunson wants to do, with her ABC sitcom, Abbott Elementary, earning seven Emmy nominations in its inaugural season. Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025 The president has full command of the National Guard and has activated up to 800 troops to support law enforcement, though exactly what form remains to be determined. Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 Only one other project from the Grammy-winning outfit, Master of Puppets, has managed a triple-digit stay, as that bestseller recently made it to 104 weeks, or exactly two full years, on the tally. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 With a tripod set and the moment perfectly staged, Arrieta dropped to one knee – only for two unsuspecting tourists to stroll directly into the frame at exactly the wrong time. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
  • She will be joined by Gabrielle Hardie, who finished just behind her at the Pan American Games.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Now, Pitt is dealing with more tragic news, as his mother Jane has just passed away.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • In other words, the Israeli leader is beholden precisely to those who aim to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The flagship model, the $1,499 Z1 Pro, is a cordless cleaner that uses multiple sensors to precisely map and navigate your pool.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Putin appeared to warn European leaders and Zelensky to stay out of the way of what was a work-in-progress, even though the fate of Ukraine impacts them directly.
    Nik Popli, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Tanner, who is quite religious, was doing the latter.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • That is not quite a concession, but an important change in tone.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Cena said he’s shared many valuable moments in this ring and thanked the fans right back.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • There are many direct-to-consumer wellness apps out there: Meditation apps that guide you through mindfulness exercises and breath work or access to therapy right from your phone.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The menu features succulent beef joints and tender game meats, accompanied by perfectly roasted root vegetables.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The proposal was perfectly on brand for the low-key couple.
    Sarah Jones, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Stroebel lamented seeing visitors study physical signs along the street that were a few years old and did not accurately reflect the nearby establishments.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 9 Aug. 2025
  • When an employee badges into an office but doesn’t actually work there that day, or in some cases, doesn’t enter at all and has someone else swipe in for them, an organization loses its ability to accurately validate an employee’s location.
    Rob Lydic, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Fall is all about warm, rich, and cozy comfort foods.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Lauren LeBlanc writes at the LA Times, Juggling motherhood and creative work can leave one feeling like an iconoclast and a failure all at once.
    Diana Arterian August 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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