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
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 actually
And in my opinion, that is a key component of actually fixing this problem.
—
ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
Root versus rhizome Although often referred to as fresh ginger root, the edible portion of the plant is actually a rhizome.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
What appears to be fatigue is actually differentiation.
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Big Blue actually trailed 10-9 at the half before the floodgates opened, earning head coach Bill Parcells the first ever Super Bowl Gatorade bath.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actually
ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
Root versus rhizome Although often referred to as fresh ginger root, the edible portion of the plant is actually a rhizome.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
What appears to be fatigue is actually differentiation.
—Ricardo Cici, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Big Blue actually trailed 10-9 at the half before the floodgates opened, earning head coach Bill Parcells the first ever Super Bowl Gatorade bath.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
But honestly, the Warriors also bore little resemblance to the dynasty of that era.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The New York Times writer who tried this test nearly 20 years after it was developed answered honestly and thoughtfully, then … fell in love.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Where this dish really lacks is in the flavor department, which was just pretty underwhelming.—
Jayna Bardahl,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
What a dietitian really recommends When thinking about how to advise clients, Mokari is very aware that what works for someone’s health and lifestyle is going to be individual to them.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The thought frankly is leaving me a little breathless.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Mayor Mamdani was wrong and frankly rude to skip Friday’s investiture of the new Catholic archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Having stabilized his ship in orbit around the black hole, Dr Hans Reinhardt (a bizarre, OTT performance from Maximilian Schell) now plans to fly into it, assisted by an unquestioning crew of automatons with a very dark origin story.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
While promoting her new miniseries Vanished in New York City on February 3, the actor was spotted flashing a peace sign for photographers and carrying a very familiar handbag on the other arm.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Afterward Knight, playing in her fifth Olympics, suggested that the virus may indeed be her team’s most dangerous foe in Milan.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
If anyone was wondering why the singer barely moved while performing and appeared to be carried off the stage, the gown, while indeed stunning, weighed kilos in the double-digit range.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
However, the ability to choose an educational environment that truly fits our child has not only improved their academic performance, but also their overall happiness and outlook on life.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Think your devices and data are truly protected?—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
