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.
Work in a Honda studio and know the real deal here? Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 14 May 2026 Michigan Lake Shore Resort, Saugatuck Lake Shore's retro vibe is the real deal—Joseph and Anna Milauckas built the place as a motor inn in 1952. Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026 Friday night was the real deal for Kennedy Burke. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026 The Storm’s ace pitcher, who also plays outfield and has experience at first base in her previous two varsity seasons, is the real deal who brings a complete game to the field for the Upstate Eight Conference leaders. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 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 20 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster