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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actual
Typically, travelers achieve a redemption value of around 1.5 cents per point, making this promotion an excellent opportunity to buy points at a rate close to (or at) their actual value.
—
Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
Was there any actual evidence that the people filmed assaulting police officers were innocent?
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Last year, poor air quality from wildfire smoke in Canada spread all the way to New York and many states in northeastern America, posing dangerous threats to health hundreds and thousands of miles away from the actual fire.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Given that the cast had a complex relationship with fame due to their actual names and faces in the film, Toti, Kempf and Christian decided to never release the project to streaming, digital or an easily pirateable physical release.
—William Earl, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actual 
Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025
Was there any actual evidence that the people filmed assaulting police officers were innocent?
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Last year, poor air quality from wildfire smoke in Canada spread all the way to New York and many states in northeastern America, posing dangerous threats to health hundreds and thousands of miles away from the actual fire.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Given that the cast had a complex relationship with fame due to their actual names and faces in the film, Toti, Kempf and Christian decided to never release the project to streaming, digital or an easily pirateable physical release.
—William Earl, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, the tampering accusation, which got the bulk of the headlines, feels like a distraction from the real issue.—
Stewart Mandel,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
-
There is a real wild card factor this year with the L.A. wildfires having caused the Academy to extend the voting deadline twice, giving voters five full extra days.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
This article include reporting from The Associated Press fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.—
Amir Daftari,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
All too often, by the time an infant or young child comes to our offices for their well care visit, the damage has already been done and no amount of factual information or legitimate sources will change a parent’s mind.—
Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Multigenerational families living together is very true to Latine culture in the United States and beyond.—
Zayda Rivera,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Even if for the sake of argument that were true, the policy response is not and never can be.—
The Editors,
National Review,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near actual
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
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