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
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
Park had one day to shoot the scene properly, with high tide falling at exactly the right moment during sunset.
—
Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
But what is the price, exactly, for genius and prestige?
—Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
That’s exactly what some leaders of this affluent, majority-Black suburb want to avoid.
—Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024
So not only for World Central Kitchen, for family -- for the families of the deceased, but for every other NGO that has been targeted or has lost members to exactly understand how the IDF has been operating.
—ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
The available documents don’t detail exactly what Olivera’s complaint was, but in addition to a response to Olivera’s complaint, the Bar requested Sobocienski send the Bar auditor complete records from his trust account.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
And that is exactly the case with this young woman.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
So, exactly how will clouds affect viewing parties around here?
—David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2024
What exactly is a solar eclipse? Eclipses of all types are caused by an alignment in space between the sun, moon and Earth.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2024
Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
But what is the price, exactly, for genius and prestige?
—Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
That’s exactly what some leaders of this affluent, majority-Black suburb want to avoid.
—Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024
So not only for World Central Kitchen, for family -- for the families of the deceased, but for every other NGO that has been targeted or has lost members to exactly understand how the IDF has been operating.
—ABC News, 7 Apr. 2024
The available documents don’t detail exactly what Olivera’s complaint was, but in addition to a response to Olivera’s complaint, the Bar requested Sobocienski send the Bar auditor complete records from his trust account.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
And that is exactly the case with this young woman.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
So, exactly how will clouds affect viewing parties around here?
—David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2024
What exactly is a solar eclipse? Eclipses of all types are caused by an alignment in space between the sun, moon and Earth.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exactly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing exactly
Dictionary Entries Near exactly
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on exactly
Nglish: Translation of exactly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of exactly for Arabic Speakers
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