exactly

adverb

ex·​act·​ly ig-ˈzak-(t)lē 

1

a

: in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition

it's exactly 3 o'clock

these two pieces are exactly the same size

b

: in every respect : altogether, entirely

that was exactly the wrong thing to do

not exactly what I had in mind

2

: quite so

—used to express agreement

Synonyms

• due
• full
• just
• precisely
• right
• sharp
• smack-dab
• squarely

Examples of exactly in a Sentence

The levers need to be exactly positioned.

we will meet at exactly six o'clock

Recent Examples on the Web

So, what exactly will the team’s football brand be? —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025

That delicate approach was exactly how the Blue Jays planned to pitch Judge ahead of the series. —Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

And that’s exactly what Defy fosters inside the walls of correctional facilities. —Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Shay Mitchell is no stranger to long days on set, glam team touch-ups, and the occasional heat overload — which is exactly why her haircare routine is all about protection and repair. —Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

exact entry 2 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exactly

• my sentiments exactly
• not exactly

Rhymes for exactly

• abstractly

Kids Definition

exactly

adverb

ex·​act·​ly ig-ˈzak-(t)lē 

1

a

: in an exact manner

do exactly as you're told

b

: so as to match fact or a state

at exactly three o'clock

exactly the same size

c

: in every way : altogether

that was exactly the wrong thing to do

not exactly what I had in mind

2

: quite so : just as you say

—used to express agreement