as in real
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected
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Recent Examples of actual
The actual ranges of these missiles remain classified.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The plot was inspired by several actual snatch-and-grab jobs from the era, including the 1972 Worcester Art Museum heist in which robbers made off with masterpieces from Rembrandt, Picasso and Gauguin.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
And mainstream journalists, of course, are now the ones writing books containing actual reporting on what happened.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Four road trips into this year, however, no trickle-down effect has been as lauded as the changes the Dodgers have made to their actual travel schedule.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The plot was inspired by several actual snatch-and-grab jobs from the era, including the 1972 Worcester Art Museum heist in which robbers made off with masterpieces from Rembrandt, Picasso and Gauguin.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
And mainstream journalists, of course, are now the ones writing books containing actual reporting on what happened.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Four road trips into this year, however, no trickle-down effect has been as lauded as the changes the Dodgers have made to their actual travel schedule.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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In this eerie tale about fear, lust, and female empowerment, the real question becomes whether this is an act of witchcraft—or a witch hunt.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
22 May 2025
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Performances from notable actors like Sean Bean and Patrick Stewart stand out, but the real stars are the voice actors who portray dozens of unique characters throughout Cyrodiil.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The backlash to Bongino’s factual statement is part of a broader political phenomenon.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
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This is a preview of The 1600—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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The young man is at a crossroads between pursuing shallow, glitzy easy money, or being true to his emotional and artistic muses.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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