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 The actual story and meaning of Possible Love wasn’t even important to me. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 Before this escalates any further, examine their actual histories. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Her government has also discussed holding national elections with the State Department, though those have not yet materialized in actual commitment. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

A lot of teams at the bottom might be tanking for Arch Manning, and there is no real new blood at quarterback this season.

— Vic Tafur, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Many companies now rely on AI screening tools that filter applications based on keywords rather than real qualifications.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

That factual slipperiness might matter less if the psychology connected more deeply.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Docs On The Dock There is always a strong line up of documentaries at the Rendez-Vous, with sellers turning up at the waterfront location with new factual shows.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

There was skepticism about Vizzina, who threw only 105 passes in his first three years at Clemson and then was pushed by true freshman Tait Reynolds for the starting role in preseason camp.

— Antonio Morales, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
This is true for the franchise as a whole; RHOA is the city that turned Housewives into a sport that requires real skill and charisma.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026