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
At 19, an MRI revealed the truth: That lump was actually a golf-ball sized tumor on her median nerve.
—
Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
This tender moment is just more proof that even the toughest-looking guys in sports aren't ashamed of the sensitive side their kids bring out, and might actually be eager to show the world how much their families mean to them, on and off the field.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
The truth is, a world that endures forever actually makes less sense than one that doesn’t.
—Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Later, fire officials determined that the fire was actually on a small parallel street called Healey Avenue and the structure on fire was actually a barn, not a house.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actually 
Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
This tender moment is just more proof that even the toughest-looking guys in sports aren't ashamed of the sensitive side their kids bring out, and might actually be eager to show the world how much their families mean to them, on and off the field.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
The truth is, a world that endures forever actually makes less sense than one that doesn’t.
—Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Later, fire officials determined that the fire was actually on a small parallel street called Healey Avenue and the structure on fire was actually a barn, not a house.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
Of all the luckiest s--- that's ever happened to me, that would be the greatest accomplishment of my life, honestly.—
Joelle Goldstein,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
-
This was honestly one of my favorite recipes from 2023.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2025
Adverb
-
Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast.—
Chris Kirschner,
The Athletic,
29 Jan. 2025
-
No one is really disputing it, but the market freak-out hinges on the truthfulness of a single and relatively unknown company.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
Adverb
-
Miranda Priestly may have snubbed florals as dépassé in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, but nearly 20 years later, contemporary designers are pushing the pattern in exciting directions, bringing a fresh, new, and frankly edgy take on plants—particularly ones with petals.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Well, honestly, that dates all the way back to before the pilot was written, frankly, the research trip that Mindy and I did.—
Hilary Lewis,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Jan. 2025
Adverb
-
The result is a very appealing rye that retains the Jack Daniel’s character, but has become something truly unique and delicious.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2025
-
These words are all associated with a very large vehicle.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
Adverb
-
Luxurious materials coupled with sleek detailing makes for styles that can, indeed, tie together a look.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2025
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Mildly smoky with overtones of fresh tropical fruit and sweet spice somewhat reminiscent of a fruit punch, this is indeed a mezcal for special occasions and is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature.—
Richard Carleton Hacker,
Robb Report,
24 Jan. 2025
Adverb
-
The Kimberly of the 90s who so loved women’s basketball is finally getting her wish: The rest of the world is catching on and truly falling in love with the game.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Intertwined with the Ochi noises is David Longstreth’s transfixing score, which rings so brightly ethereal as if truly comprised from sounds captured in the forest.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near actually
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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