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
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.
The New York Knicks are looking to evolve from fringe contenders to the real deal in 2025-26. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 And from the eye test, Herbert looks the real deal too. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025 Speaking of Denver South, Daniels is the real deal and easily the best player in DPS. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 Is Darryn Peterson the real deal? Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the real deal

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The real deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20deal. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!