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
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
Finally, Roberts conceded exactly how stiff Kim’s competition for an opening-day roster spot remains — confirming that Kim could start the season in the minors, though a decision remains weeks away.
—
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
But just as smartphones and the internet are powerful tools to broaden their horizons, parents and caregivers are right to be cautious about exactly what their teens are posting on the day-to-day.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
Essentially the Keurig of makeup, the first-of-its-kind smart device creates a custom foundation in exactly one minute at the touch of a button, mixing colorants to make a bespoke shade.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Comfort Clinton made her debut as Gemma exactly one year ago today, when FBI viewers learned that OA had quietly started dating.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exactly
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Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
But just as smartphones and the internet are powerful tools to broaden their horizons, parents and caregivers are right to be cautious about exactly what their teens are posting on the day-to-day.
—Ella Cerón, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025
Essentially the Keurig of makeup, the first-of-its-kind smart device creates a custom foundation in exactly one minute at the touch of a button, mixing colorants to make a bespoke shade.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Comfort Clinton made her debut as Gemma exactly one year ago today, when FBI viewers learned that OA had quietly started dating.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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