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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of actual
Then, there’s the actual feeling of working out in sweats.
—
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
County Executive Frank White Jr. is capping increases at 15%, no matter how much Zillow says the actual market value of people’s homes rose.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
County Executive Frank White Jr. is capping increases at 15%, no matter how much Zillow says the actual market value of people’s homes rose.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
And Gandolfini was right: The series almost wasn’t cast authentically with real Italian actors.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This article has been updated with additional information and remarks. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.—
Liam Quinn,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share