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
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
Subscription software throws off steady, predictable cash, exactly what a lender likes to see.
—
Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
What exactly is The Traitors doing here?
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
Both teams played exactly to type.
—Bryan Preston, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
In a republic, there is supposed to be exactly one thing money can’t buy.
—Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
What exactly is The Traitors doing here?
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
Both teams played exactly to type.
—Bryan Preston, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
In a republic, there is supposed to be exactly one thing money can’t buy.
—Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
-
Like Eastern, the airline promised passengers that if a flight was full, the shuttle would roll out a second plane – even for just one passenger.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
-
As the four-day event continues today, Wednesday, June 24 through Friday, June 26, there’s no better time to snag the latest deals that just launched on site.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
24 June 2026
Adverb
-
Her focus on designing efficient production strategies and fostering new opportunities for the sector places her at the intersection of creative development and industrial infrastructure — precisely the combination the archipelago’s growing ambitions demand.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
According to stats assembled by Jay Ritter, the University of Florida professor who is the world’s leading expert on IPOs, the percentage increase precisely matches the average bump over the last several decades.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
Adverb
-
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson just stopped Haiti's best opportunity to score all night, on a corner kick that found the head of Haiti's Ade and deflected backward on an angle directly into the goal.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
-
Artists pay no fee to participate, and the full dollar from each sale goes directly to them.—
Ray Campos,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Adverb
-
Decorating rules can be helpful guidelines, but adhering too strictly to conventional wisdom can seriously cramp your style.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
23 June 2026
-
Comic books until then had been strictly boys’-own adventures, with titles like Eagle and Hotspur, that gave young boys permission to revel in the grim 20th century wars their fathers had fought in.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
Adverb
-
Ament didn’t quite reach his offensive potential at Tennessee, but this is not dissimilar to the gamble the Bucks once took on a young Antetokounmpo.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
24 June 2026
-
But the Clippers have shaken up their team quite a bit in the last few months and are a team worth watching this week.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2026
Adverb
-
The strange answer to that is yes, but not really.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
-
Community groups, residents and business owners are counting on the answer being yes.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adverb
-
Drug use has become more visible and has moved right outside the child care center's front door, Reyes said.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Panama had a golden opportunity in the first 10 minutes after being awarded a free kick right outside Croatia's box.—
Monica Alba,
NBC news,
24 June 2026
Adverb
-
The passage is incoherent, yet, in conflating progressive reform with arrogant blind faith, it is perfectly suited to Vance’s cynical conservatism.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
-
The robust selection feels bespoke and unexpected, catering perfectly to anyone on the hunt for something truly unique.—
Alyssa Longobucco,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
