factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl 

-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

ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

factually

ˈfak-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē, 

-chü(-ə)-lē, 

ˈfaksh-wə-

adverb

factualness noun

Synonyms of factual

• historical
• documentary
• literal
• true
• nonfictional

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

In 1988, Rantzen won BAFTA’s Richard Dimbleby Award for factual programming. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Prosecutors argue that Rivera is essentially attempting to re-litigate factual questions the jury decided against him. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

There are disputes over everything from factual accuracy to legal pitfalls to punctuation. — Mike Hogan, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

For example, frameworks like the SBI Model (Situation-Behavior-Impact) from the Center for Creative Leadership promote a clear, three-step methodology that reduces defensiveness by keeping feedback factual. — Maren Perry, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for factual

• artifactual
• counterfactual
• contractual
• tactual

Kids Definition

factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l 

ˈfaksh-wəl

1

: of or relating to facts

a factual error

2

: restricted to or based on fact

a factual statement

factuality

ˌfak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

factually

ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē 

ˈfaksh-wə-lē

adverb

factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl 

1

: of or relating to facts

factual issues

2

: restricted to or based on fact

factuality

ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

factually adverb

factualness noun