ACTUAL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

actual

adjective

ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl

Definition of actual

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of actual SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that estimate was wrong, and that the actual number will be six to eight. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 But director Lance Oppenheim and his DP David Bolen shot the luxe rentals of You Can See Everything with very little artificial light, on actual film, which shows every crack and dust mote. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 23 Oct. 2026 Kardashian celebrated her actual birthday in two vintage dresses from the Paco Rabanne 1995 archives. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026 The screenshot does not identify the actual words that were used. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

That so-fake-it’s-real argument has underpinned many provocative artistic movements over the years.

— Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
In short, this study showed how the material responds to mechanical force, temperature, and chemical changes, but its effectiveness in real propulsion systems remains to be established.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Dunlay said the city prepared the report to provide the City Council with factual information about investments in the 2nd District over a 10-year period.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Within Italy’s unscripted sphere, the factual genre has seen the most significant growth, up 36% in terms of number of hours, with the number of domestic factual titles adapted from international formats doubling.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026