actual

adjective

ac·​tu·​al ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl How to pronounce actual (audio)
-sh(ə-w)əl;
-chü-əl,
-shü-
1
a
: existing in fact or reality
actual events
actual and imagined conditions
b
: not false or apparent
actual costs
c
used for emphasis
This is the actual room in which my grandfather was born.
2
: existing or occurring at the time
caught in the actual commission of a crime
3
obsolete : active

Examples of actual in a Sentence

They signed the agreement in the spring, but the actual sale wasn't made until that summer. You deposit money in a bank account but the actual money is not held there. The actual cost of the repair was much higher than the estimate.
Recent Examples on the Web The actual wedding will take place over the next year in various destinations spread across Europe and India. Rebecca Suhrawardi, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 Here are the highlights from their comments: RNC already bringing visitors to Milwaukee While the economic impact for Milwaukee during the convention is often highlighted, Prange said that impact started in 2022 and will continue at least through the actual convention. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 But that number, which included a 15-year-old and a 72-year-old overnight, reflects only deaths in hospitals, the ministry said; the actual toll is likely far higher. Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 New investigations by the district attorney’s office and the former detective turned private eye, who worked pro bono, uncovered the actual killer and the events that took place on Sept. 2, 2000. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 While most of the rounds put unsightly dents in the side of the car, one of them punctured a rear door, leaving an actual bullet hole. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 According to Time, the list of attending royals is usually confirmed closer to the date of the actual event. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 Practicing under timed conditions simulates the pressure of the actual exam, helping to develop both speed and accuracy. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 While there was no actual explosion for safety concerns, Fisk and his team broke down the structure after filming interior scenes. Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'actual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "active, existing in fact," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French actuel, borrowed from Late Latin āctuālis, from Latin āctus act entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of actual was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near actual

Cite this Entry

“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actual. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

actual

adjective
ac·​tu·​al ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl How to pronounce actual (audio)
ˈak-sh(ə-w)əl
: existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
actuality
ˌak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē
-shə-
noun
actualization
ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən
-sh(ə-w)ə-
noun
actualize
-ˌīz
verb

Legal Definition

actual

adjective
ac·​tu·​al
: existing in fact or reality compare constructive
actually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on actual

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