factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
-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 noun
factually
ˈfak-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chə-lē
-chü(-ə)-lē
ˈfaksh-wə-
adverb
factualness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related Stories Ofcom’s investigation found that the documentary’s failure to disclose that the 13-year-old narrator’s father held a position in the Hamas-run administration constituted a material breach of rules requiring factual programs to provide audiences with accurate information. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 This failing had the potential to erode the significantly high levels of trust that audiences would have placed in a BBC factual programme about the Israel-Gaza war. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 The judge also reflected on how Alvarado’s accusatory statements against Ellis are at least in part factual in nature. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Elsewhere in the unscripted space, Cineflix Rights reported strong sales for its latest factual lineup, securing a raft of deals for history and adventure titles. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for factual

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of factual was circa 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factual. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wəl
1
: of or relating to facts
a factual error
2
: restricted to or based on fact
a factual statement
factuality noun
factually
ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wə-lē
adverb
factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
1
: of or relating to facts
factual issues
2
: restricted to or based on fact
factuality noun
factually adverb
factualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on factual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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