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
But the actual starting salary for college graduates is closer to $56,000.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Finding 53 among this group requires tough decisions even before any actual football activity has started.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
But Nassar was also wary of exposing the gap between the state’s authority and its actual power.
—Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
But the actual number is unknown and could be as high as 450,000, according to the CDC.
—Eva Flowe
may 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for actual
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Finding 53 among this group requires tough decisions even before any actual football activity has started.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
But Nassar was also wary of exposing the gap between the state’s authority and its actual power.
—Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
But the actual number is unknown and could be as high as 450,000, according to the CDC.
—Eva Flowe
may 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
As the federal government seeks to impose populism from above, pluralism from above is another real possibility.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The bar, Salon Salon, is a real destination drinking spot, though.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The judge reasoned that there remain factual disputes for jurors to weigh.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 June 2026
-
Plus, on an expressly factual level, any telling of American journalism in the early and mid 20th century that doesn’t include them—and more broadly, the real proportions of women working in the era—is a false telling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are past precedents for how that is not true.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
With its overall Life in Balance philosophy, Miraval Resorts and Spas has led the way in recognizing just how valuable and restorative a true connection with other humans and the natural environment can be.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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