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

• documentary
• hard
• historical
• literal
• matter-of-fact
• nonfictional
• objective
• true

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

This article has been updated with additional information and remarks. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice. —Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

The Grierson Trust celebrates British and international documentary and factual TV. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for factual

• tactual
• artifactual
• counterfactual
• contractual

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