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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For the experts, the accumulation of factual material is key.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
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 Johnny King Buck In 2006, Wisconsin deer hunter Johnny King shot what some folks believe is the true world-record typical whitetail.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
15 May 2025
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The coloration of light in this image does not depict a true optical rainbow as would be seen by the naked eye, but rather a colored representation of different wavelengths of light that highlight the instrument's capability to analyze various components of the solar atmosphere.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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