1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in really
in actual fact
I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actually
Yeti also doesn’t recommend them for storing warm leftovers in the fridge, as the vacuum insulation will prevent contents from properly cooling down and actually result in rapid food spoilage.
—
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
If Team Trump is right, both factors will actually lower deficits and tilt the trajectory of debt to income downward.
—Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Newcastle have actually signed two players, doubling their tally for senior summer recruits — significantly bolstering two key positions in the process.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
However, the employee was actually wedding photographer Parker Stehlow, in cahoots with Luke.
—Allison Moses, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
If Team Trump is right, both factors will actually lower deficits and tilt the trajectory of debt to income downward.
—Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Newcastle have actually signed two players, doubling their tally for senior summer recruits — significantly bolstering two key positions in the process.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
However, the employee was actually wedding photographer Parker Stehlow, in cahoots with Luke.
—Allison Moses, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
The mother of her French host family cooked simply and honestly each night with ingredients in season in Burgundy.—
Anne Byrn,
Southern Living,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Malcolm appears to have a genuine crush on Ellen and honestly seems like a nice guy as far as clan dudes go.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Find out what really goes on behind the cameras in this twisted domestic thriller.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
His thoughtful and heartfelt musicianship really stand out among the conductors of today, and his connection to the musicians can be heard in the music making.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
But the reality behind the headlines is more complex, and frankly, exhausting.—
Roberta Matuson,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
This is, quite frankly, embarrassing for the United States, one more in a long list of international humiliations.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Indeed, the argument is often made by industry that plastics can sequester carbon from fossil fuels for the very long term, unless they are burned.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Townshend clapped Daltrey’s shoulder in affirmation, a show of affection between two very different personalities who nonetheless created 60 years of memories.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
McDaniel previously said the plan was for first-teamers not to play in Saturday’s second preseason game, and that indeed was the case.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
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One of the highlights of my first three years as a literature professor at MIT—and indeed, of my 15-year career as an educator—has been the recent discovery that some of my students, past and present, formed an arts collective: The People’s Poetry.—
Joshua Bennett,
The Atlantic,
15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Fantasy football draft season is truly here as the start of the 2025 NFL campaign is just three weeks away.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Handwritten place cards, soft background music, and a welcome drink of sparkling water or champagne upon arrival—these are the elements that will make your gathering truly memorable.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
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