1
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
a factual biography of George Washington that scoffs at the story about the cherry tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
a serious scientist, she is only interested in factual phenomena and lets others speculate about the hypothetical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of factual
In cases of employment, housing, and public accommodation, by simply using one’s freedom of speech to utter a biologically factual pronoun, a person could find him or herself in the crosshairs of a Colorado Civil Rights Division investigation and punishment or possibly a lawsuit.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
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
If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 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
See All Example Sentences for factual
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
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
If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 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
See All Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
-
The last time Border Patrol averaged fewer than 9,000 monthly apprehensions along the southern border over a year was in the late 1960s, according to historical agency figures.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
-
Stringfield’s honor comes at a time when Black historical figures are being removed from government websites and the way Black history is taught is policed statewide and nationally, and as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being rolled back by national corporations.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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The mostly instrumental project kicks off its time at No. 37 on the Official Soundtrack Albums chart, joining the actual soundtrack inside the top 40.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The various plaintiffs challenging Trump's executive order argue requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote would create barriers for millions of eligible voters.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
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But Matheson pointed out that there was a lack of documentary evidence that that was the rationale for the purchase.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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And Gandolfini was right: The series almost wasn’t cast authentically with real Italian actors.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news A literal sea change disrupted the balance of aquatic predators during the middle Cretaceous.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
2 May 2025
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Within about a day, ravenous flesh-eating larvae erupt, which both look and act like literal screws.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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While hazing has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, incidents like the one in Syracuse are reminders of how vague the true scope of hazing nationwide remains and the need for more tangible hazing prevention practices, experts and advocates say.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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