1
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
a factual biography of George Washington that scoffs at the story about the cherry tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
a serious scientist, she is only interested in factual phenomena and lets others speculate about the hypothetical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of factual
For over a decade, Facebook’s knowledge graph has provided the framework for establishing the relationships between people, while Google’s has given Search the ability to answer basic factual questions.
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David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
The quick rise of new-collar jobs The quick technological transformation of businesses prioritizes factual skills over academic diplomas —especially in IT and other rapidly developing areas the classic ‘academia’ cannot keep up with.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, The Enquirer, 28 Nov. 2024
Not in the factual sense, because that would be crazy, but closer to how fashionistas know to add one discordant accessory.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
This article was updated with comment from Robert Barsky.
fairness meter
fairness meter
Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
—Billal Rahman, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for factual 
David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024
The quick rise of new-collar jobs The quick technological transformation of businesses prioritizes factual skills over academic diplomas —especially in IT and other rapidly developing areas the classic ‘academia’ cannot keep up with.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, The Enquirer, 28 Nov. 2024
Not in the factual sense, because that would be crazy, but closer to how fashionistas know to add one discordant accessory.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
This article was updated with comment from Robert Barsky.
fairness meter
fairness meter
Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
—Billal Rahman, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
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Although no country is actually named in the proceedings, the U.S., as the world’s top historical emitter, is clearly the leading target.Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
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Then there’s the pharmacy, where once again, the effort to replicate every detail with historical accuracy is evident.Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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As great a tale as that is, it's made even better by the casting of actual thespians from Sing Sing.Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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Some new products, like Bubble Waffles, actual vanilla beans, and Mocha Latte Pretzels came and teased us before disappearing into the Graveyard of Unscaleable Delights.Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Her story unfolds in a series of flashbacks and interviews with a documentary crew as the American-Greek soprano reflects on her critics, romances and art.Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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There are images of Shostakovich, Hitler, and clips that include documentary footage of an infamous 1939 pro-Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden (and its interruption by a young man outraged by the antisemitism on display).Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The editing was also choppy at times and there seemed no real flow to the season in terms of tribe dynamics.Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
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What's next for the Red Sox? Ideally for them, the Red Sox could add another starter, and FanSided's Zachary Rotman feels like this is a real possibility.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Sports UConn's Geno Auriemma, the new winningest NCAA coach, is honored with a literal goat A deep sea creature kept washing ashore in California Oarfish are known to swim in waters 300 to 3,000 feet below the surface.Ayana Archie, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
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The movie’s one outright mistake is suddenly shifting from emotional abuse to a literal assault that inadvertently plays like a queasy bad-taste joke about how artists get screwed.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
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This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near factual
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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