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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Recent Examples of actual
To prep for the sequence, Poole created two separate pre-viz videos, a preliminary one shot on a stage with marks where the action would be laid out, and a second one that refined the plan once Poole was able to work on the actual location.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
And then there is the 6 p.m. June 30 actual start of free-agency negotiations, followed by the July 6 start of the free-agency signing period.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Additionally, the study assessed changes in LDL levels, but did not measure actual heart attack or stroke outcomes.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
At the end of the rainbow, viewers are left with the promise that the actual cool things will happen next time.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
And then there is the 6 p.m. June 30 actual start of free-agency negotiations, followed by the July 6 start of the free-agency signing period.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Additionally, the study assessed changes in LDL levels, but did not measure actual heart attack or stroke outcomes.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
At the end of the rainbow, viewers are left with the promise that the actual cool things will happen next time.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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But while Football Manager and other simulators might offer a representation of how transfers would work if everyone stuck to the letter of the rules, in the real world, these moves effectively happen in reverse.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
15 June 2025
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Orlando was one of the better defensive teams in the NBA this past season, but the lack of consistent offense was a real problem.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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In turn, Bivins brought in another friend to execute the deadly plot, according to an FBI criminal complaint and the factual statement filed with his plea agreement.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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Have three response templates ready: factual correction for misinformation, values reaffirmation for criticism, and security protocol for threats.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Hoang said the online allegations — none of which were true — led to threats of violence against the university, and there was talk that some parents withdrew their children because of them.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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