the real deal
noun
informal
: something or someone that is real or genuine : a thing or person that is not a copy or imitation
These diamonds aren't fake. They're the real deal.
That guy looked so much like Elvis, I almost thought he was the real deal.
Examples of the real deal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Faux snug and rook Inspired to get a snug or rook piercing but don’t have the anatomy for the real deal?
—
Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
If The Secret Agent is the real deal, though, expect to see Kleber Mendonça Filho instead.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026
Chef David Richter cooks with confidence and restraint (his mole is the real deal); co-owner Jessica Richter manages the dining room.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
Surrounded by piles of files and notes, Sy Hersh is the real deal.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the real deal
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.
Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
If The Secret Agent is the real deal, though, expect to see Kleber Mendonça Filho instead.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026
Chef David Richter cooks with confidence and restraint (his mole is the real deal); co-owner Jessica Richter manages the dining room.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
Surrounded by piles of files and notes, Sy Hersh is the real deal.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the real deal
Cite this Entry
“The real deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20deal. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
