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
Then, there’s the actual feeling of working out in sweats.
—
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
County Executive Frank White Jr. is capping increases at 15%, no matter how much Zillow says the actual market value of people’s homes rose.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
County Executive Frank White Jr. is capping increases at 15%, no matter how much Zillow says the actual market value of people’s homes rose.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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And Gandolfini was right: The series almost wasn’t cast authentically with real Italian actors.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.—
Liam Quinn,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.—
Taazima Kala,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And of course, no one would be a true derby guest without an intricate and matching asymmetric disc headband fascinator.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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