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

• just
• right
• precisely

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

These factors should never be a cause to abandon principles, but this is exactly what is occurring. —Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

Typhur’s new Sync Oven and Sync Air Fryer do exactly that. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Define Policy Scope Start by deciding exactly what your mobile security policy will cover and why. —Mike Rosen, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

In fact, Harry's meeting with Charles came exactly three years to the day after William and Princess Kate joined Meghan Markle and Harry to meet well-wishers outside Windsor Castle, on September 10. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 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