as in real
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected
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Recent Examples of actual
The film stages a conversation between Barnes and the quintessential Harlem Renaissance philosopher Alain Locke, the exchange based on actual correspondence between the two men.
—
Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 12 Mar. 2025
That’s when things escalated even further, though not at the actual Twitch event.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Like my actual backcountry packs, REI’s Ruckpack 40 has elevated mesh panels in the back that allow for airflow and help keep the pack snug against my back, and the straps and build are designed to move with you.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
Joe McKendrick covers how technology moves markets and careers
How do things work out when people are managed by algorithms, versus actual human beings?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 12 Mar. 2025
That’s when things escalated even further, though not at the actual Twitch event.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Like my actual backcountry packs, REI’s Ruckpack 40 has elevated mesh panels in the back that allow for airflow and help keep the pack snug against my back, and the straps and build are designed to move with you.
—Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
Joe McKendrick covers how technology moves markets and careers
How do things work out when people are managed by algorithms, versus actual human beings?
—Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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These individuals deserve compassion, support, and real solutions to address their pain—not irreversible procedures that leave them scarred for life.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Major construction on the new building was completed in late last year, at which point scaffolding came down and the city got its first real view of the 900-foot-long concrete structure.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Hallucinations, on the other hand, occur when an AI system is asked to provide factual information or perform specific tasks but instead generates incorrect or misleading content while presenting it as accurate.—
Anna Choi,
The Conversation,
21 Mar. 2025
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But there’s a simple way to take control of the situation: stay factual.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So Far Yet, despite being the ideal role-playing game — one that should (theoretically) be easy enough to replicate — there’s never been a true sequel, spiritual successor, or flat-out copy that can live up to the standard.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2025
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More than ever before, women feel the freedom to explore and embrace their true desires without fear of societal rejection.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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