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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of actual
Yet the actual start of the festivities has long been more nebulous to pinpoint given the constantly growing number of events vying for attention in the days prior.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025
Wasserman previously acknowledged his sales team faced challenges during the 11-year lead time between Los Angeles securing the Olympics and the actual event.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No matter the actual flashpoint, the cosmic battle had a clear winner: what now remains is a single, much heavier black hole.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
As the Republicans in the state understood that cost calculation and saw its actual impact, other states followed.
—Dr. Mark A. Boyer, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025
Wasserman previously acknowledged his sales team faced challenges during the 11-year lead time between Los Angeles securing the Olympics and the actual event.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
No matter the actual flashpoint, the cosmic battle had a clear winner: what now remains is a single, much heavier black hole.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
As the Republicans in the state understood that cost calculation and saw its actual impact, other states followed.
—Dr. Mark A. Boyer, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
-
That clear difference of opinion represents an opportunity for Putin to portray the Ukrainians and the Europeans – not Russia – as the real obstacle to peace, potentially undermining Trump’s already shaky support for the Ukrainian war effort.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The formula for Winner’s Circle became the firm’s calling card: fresh factual entertainment or documentary content focused on stories and names that young audiences care about, produced with the latest technology.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Have honest and factual conversations with friends and family about why due process matters.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
And that’s both true in the Polo world and in the luxury space of Collection and Purple Label.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
-
After an investigation, HUD under Democratic President Joe Biden found in 2023 the allegations to be true.—
Lizzie Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share