1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in really
in actual fact
I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actually
Inside, the living room is actually upstairs, accessed by removable steps, and is a simple room that includes a sofa and a table.
—
Adam Williams
march 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Hey, 1 out of 3 isn’t actually that bad for events like this.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2026
So yeah, $16 can actually look like a deal in some scenarios.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
But banning pet sales at pet stores doesn’t actually accomplish that goal.
—Ed Sayres, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actually
Adam Williams
march 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Hey, 1 out of 3 isn’t actually that bad for events like this.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2026
So yeah, $16 can actually look like a deal in some scenarios.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
But banning pet sales at pet stores doesn’t actually accomplish that goal.
—Ed Sayres, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
These days, balancing the press with writing is honestly a gift.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Which, honestly, only makes the whole thing funnier.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Best in the state, really, now that Name/Image/Likeness and the House ruling have helped suck the juice out of Air Force football under Troy Calhoun.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Charlotte Hornets found the wrong kind of déjà vu Sunday, losing a home game to the Boston Celtics that never really felt close.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
And it’s not just used for Bernheim—the 2025 Heritage Collection release was a 19-year-old wheat whiskey that was, frankly, fantastic.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
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Mary Janes are typically associated with sweetness, but the pair above, frankly, didn’t get the memo.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
There are double lotteries and protections that would put a safety net beneath the very worst teams.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
For activities lasting longer than 1-2 hours, or in very hot environments, sports drinks can help replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes, but be mindful of sugar content.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The old woman’s face lit with recognition, and what, indeed, were the chances of this?—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
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But, if those were indeed the priorities, they would have been reflected by the fans that showed up more than six hours before game time for the free fan festival the Angels throw before the home opener every year.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
When Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico had each of her players bring in a quote that resonates with them, sophomore guard Olivia Olson provided one that truly encapsulates the Wolverines heading into the only women's NCAA Tournament regional final matching the top two seeds.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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In one of their worst outings in a while, the Hornets never truly threatened Boston and dropped a 114-99 decision, despite the Celtics missing one half of their All-Star tandem with Jaylen Brown sitting out.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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