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
That’s small consolation at a time when emissions need to not just slow down but actually decline in order to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Blue bedroom ideas are a longtime favorite for coastal locales and boys’ bedrooms, but the versatile hue can actually be taken in any direction, according to Sarah Montgomery of Sarah Montgomery Interiors in Chicago.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025
Fred is the gang's alpha male, often appointing himself the leader while not actually being all that helpful, at least not on purpose.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But in this case, unfortunately, Netflix quite deliberately forsook what was actually unique about the novel to produce a series resembling every other historical program now on offer — with a few more olive trees.
—Anthony Paletta, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Blue bedroom ideas are a longtime favorite for coastal locales and boys’ bedrooms, but the versatile hue can actually be taken in any direction, according to Sarah Montgomery of Sarah Montgomery Interiors in Chicago.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025
Fred is the gang's alpha male, often appointing himself the leader while not actually being all that helpful, at least not on purpose.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But in this case, unfortunately, Netflix quite deliberately forsook what was actually unique about the novel to produce a series resembling every other historical program now on offer — with a few more olive trees.
—Anthony Paletta, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
If your husband honestly enjoys them, the answer is: probably.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Yet the fundamentals of crisis leadership remain consistent: make decisions quickly, communicate honestly, protect people, limit damage and chart a path back to stability.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
But is this really a new concept, or just a rebranding?—
Ruhama Wolle,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
That was the one that really got people pissed on their side.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Even so, merely delaying the change doesn't help others and, frankly, customer service could still suffer longer term.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Arsenal’s band of travelling fans are, frankly, resigned.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Peters returns for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s fresh, surprising and very special Broadway production, following its run in Los Angeles.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Although such warships occasionally help interdict drugs in international waters, the use of naval assets for domestic border control is very unusual.—
Risa Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
In the comments, many people assured the woman that her parents are indeed proud of her achievement, despite their seemingly blasé reaction to the news.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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The account is indeed real, and it’s gotten Wells’ attention.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Use your brew time to truly take a break from the screen and enjoy your beverage.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
The question of whether a homegrown act with a major K-pop influence can cross over, and truly take root, in the notoriously discerning British mainstream is more complex.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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