ACTUAL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

actual

adjective

ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl

Definition of actual

as in real

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of actual The wealthiest Seattle suburb is Mercer Island, which is an actual island, east of the city. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Countrywide, wine, beer, spirits and other newer forms of alcohol are categorized according to beverage type and are taxed often regardless of actual alcohol content or other states’ policies. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 The actual abduction was committed, according to the feds, by supermarket owner Abu Chowdhury — who’s accused of heading a kidnapping ring that also snatched and tortured two men who crossed his vengeful wife, Iffat Lubna. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

But the real irony is that the British have teamed up with the Indigenous Seneca population, who loathe the French.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026
All her friends and family have tried to convince her this is not a real situation and she is being scammed.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Award-winning factual producer Proper Content is set to shutter amid tough market conditions.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 2 July 2026
Sotomayor, writing for the liberal justices, accused the majority of cutting the litigation short and argued that unresolved factual questions should have been returned to the lower courts.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026