not exactly
idiom
informal
1
—used in speech as a mild way of saying "no" especially to indicate that what someone has said is not completely correct or true
"He's your boss, isn't he?" "Not exactly."
"Did everything go the way you planned it?" "Not exactly."
2
—used as a humorous or ironic way to say "not"
He's not exactly the smartest guy I've ever met.
Examples of not exactly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Also heard on the soundtrack are ominous recordings, not exactly music but faint siren-like sounds that announce the film’s subject.
—
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
The franchise has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and that’s not exactly the best selling point for prospective players seeking a perennial winning situation.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
By Melissa Locker and Chris Wilson April 6, 2024 5:30 AM EDT
While not exactly in the path of totality, St. Louis will see 99% of the sun blocked by the moon at 1:56 p.m.
—Melissa Locker, TIME, 6 Apr. 2024
There are a several huge le différences this time around, however, and not exactly the kind that inspire you to throw a hearty Vive in front of them.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
One of the drawbacks to old homes is they’re not exactly optimized for modern-day living.
—Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
That is not exactly surprising, of course, as both vessels were penned by the Italian Sea Group’s Centro Stile division.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2024
Dear Abby: What’s a classy way to reach out to a man who’s not exactly single?
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
Because capers are expensive — and not exactly a staple of the American refrigerator, although sales are rising, according to Mezzetta — food companies opt for smaller jars to keep down the per-unit cost for consumers.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
The franchise has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and that’s not exactly the best selling point for prospective players seeking a perennial winning situation.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024
By Melissa Locker and Chris Wilson April 6, 2024 5:30 AM EDT
While not exactly in the path of totality, St. Louis will see 99% of the sun blocked by the moon at 1:56 p.m.
—Melissa Locker, TIME, 6 Apr. 2024
There are a several huge le différences this time around, however, and not exactly the kind that inspire you to throw a hearty Vive in front of them.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
One of the drawbacks to old homes is they’re not exactly optimized for modern-day living.
—Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
That is not exactly surprising, of course, as both vessels were penned by the Italian Sea Group’s Centro Stile division.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2024
Dear Abby: What’s a classy way to reach out to a man who’s not exactly single?
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
Because capers are expensive — and not exactly a staple of the American refrigerator, although sales are rising, according to Mezzetta — food companies opt for smaller jars to keep down the per-unit cost for consumers.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'not exactly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near not exactly
Cite this Entry
“Not exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20exactly. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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