1
as in just
as stated or indicated without the slightest difference
we will meet at exactly six o'clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
3
as in directly
in the same words
a plagiarism suit alleging that one historian had copied large segments of another's text exactly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in strictly
without any relaxation of standards or precision
follow the rules exactly and you won't get into trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in quite
to a full extent or degree
she listened to the advice, then did exactly what she wanted to anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in okay
used to express agreement
"Are you calling me a liar?" "Exactly."
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exactly
This does exactly as it’s made to do: make a damn good cup of single-serve coffee, pour-over style.
—
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
And, believe me, threat actors know exactly where to find the most valuable of them, available in credential-stuffing, password spraying, format for a small fee.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The county has an emergency management plan which delineates exactly what to do in case of a flood.
—Michel Martin, NPR, 9 July 2025
The way to do it is with judicious use of strong contrast colours, and that’s exactly what Nike has done here, with those pinks, blues and reds underneath the armpits and down the side of the shorts.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
And, believe me, threat actors know exactly where to find the most valuable of them, available in credential-stuffing, password spraying, format for a small fee.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
The county has an emergency management plan which delineates exactly what to do in case of a flood.
—Michel Martin, NPR, 9 July 2025
The way to do it is with judicious use of strong contrast colours, and that’s exactly what Nike has done here, with those pinks, blues and reds underneath the armpits and down the side of the shorts.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exactly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exactly
Adverb
-
As a result, their bonus pool is just $6.57 million, third lowest among MLB teams.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Officers responded just after 7 p.m. to Truman Road and Missouri 78 Highway on a reported crash.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 July 2025
Adverb
-
But that is precisely what large-language models excel at.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The revenue does not even cover the cost of instruction in the sciences, precisely the areas where the Trump administration proposes its most radical cuts.—
Clifford Ando,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Adverb
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Salena Zito, who has been chronicling the politics of the Rust Belt for decades, was directly in front of the stage on that fateful day in July 2024 when Donald Trump was shot.—
Philip Klein,
National Review,
10 July 2025
Adverb
-
July's full moon will look quite low in the sky after sunset, Space.com says.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
-
Long live Amazon Prime Day 2025 for offering up our favorite candle brands and scents at quite healthy discounts.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Adverb
-
Moving right along from the latter-day Illya Kuryakin, Conde Nast global content director Anna Wintour, pictured below, has gathered no moss since the Wimbledon final a few days ago.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Stomach pain can also be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.10 10.—
Barbie Cervoni,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Adverb
-
Encouraging the fans in the studio to get on their feet and get into it, the quartet has the crowd clapping along to its mostly a cappella performance of the song that perfectly blends yearning, soulful singing with cowgirl attitude and acoustic twang.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
15 July 2025
-
While the Lidia is available in an array of colors, Cline opted to wear the almond-toe mules in a patent caramel leather color that blended perfectly with her skin tone.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
15 July 2025
Adverb
-
Method: Double check that key citations exist and are accurately represented, especially for claims that seem surprising or too convenient.—
Brent Dykes,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Meanwhile, the Administration’s current budget proposal would close 10 laboratories run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which help accurately predict life-threatening hazards.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
15 July 2025
Adverb
-
Cho, Hong, and Yoo have all expressed serious interest in returning for a sequel.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
-
The right sofa isn’t all about size and proportions, but should take into consideration lifestyle needs as well.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exactly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exactly. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share