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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 actual
The ironic thing is that, if anything, Jeremiah’s actions are pretty normal for an actual 22-year-old guy.
—
Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
So what’s the actual downside risk for QBTS stock from its current price of $23?
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Watch the monologue Lopez said vague assertions about violence are more troubling because the administration isn't offering evidence of what specific organizations may have broked which actual laws.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The network seemed to have trouble persuading actual stars to perform.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025
So what’s the actual downside risk for QBTS stock from its current price of $23?
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Watch the monologue Lopez said vague assertions about violence are more troubling because the administration isn't offering evidence of what specific organizations may have broked which actual laws.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The network seemed to have trouble persuading actual stars to perform.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
The real clash with liberals is not over how big government should be, but over what the state should be empowered to do.—
Allan J. Lichtman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
That was an interesting time because so many people were trying to capitalize and not doing stuff that was real.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After the property sale, Graham started fleecing his mother while transferring money from her New York bank and brokerage accounts into his own checking account in Miami, according to a factual statement filed with his plea agreement.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The problem here is that in the real world, factual accuracy is the bedrock of journalism, and objectivity would be a close second.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Slater’s first blast of the evening was a true wall-scraper in the top of the third, barely clearing the center-field fence to give the Giants an early 1-0 lead.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
And remember, the point spread is designed to divide the wagers evenly, not be a true indicator of value.—
Jack Magruder,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share