factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl,
ˈfaksh-wəl
1
: of or relating to facts
a factual error
the factual aspects of the case
2
: restricted to or based on fact
a factual statement
She tried to separate what is factual from what is not.
factuality noun
factually
ˈfak-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chə-lē
-chü(-ə)-lē
ˈfaksh-wə-
adverb
factualness noun

Examples of factual in a Sentence

That statement is not factual. a report filled with factual errors the factual aspects of the case
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 The results pointed to the success of dramas including All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on PBS in the States, and factual shows like Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go?. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 More in general, in the U.S., approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults express low confidence in the ability of AI tools, including chatbots and search engines, to provide reliable and factual information. Federico Guerrini, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 With over 20 years of experience in TV and Film, including two BAFTA-winning arts series with Grayson Perry for Channel 4 and prime-time factual programs for BBC, ITV and Sky Arts, Riddell is currently head of new formats for The Financial Times. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for factual 

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of factual was circa 1832

Dictionary Entries Near factual

Cite this Entry

“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factual. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wəl
1
: of or relating to facts
a factual error
2
: restricted to or based on fact
a factual statement
factuality noun
factually
ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wə-lē
adverb
factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
1
: of or relating to facts
factual issues
2
: restricted to or based on fact
factuality noun
factually adverb
factualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on factual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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