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

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of actual Researchers stressed the differences may reflect healthcare access, specialist availability and screening practices rather than actual disease prevalence. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 The Springboks struggled to reflect their utter domination on the scoreboard and ought to have doubled their seven actual tries by seven different scorers. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 And unlike actual jet lag, in which the body adapts to its new environment over a few days, Rishi says there is no evidence that the body ever fully adapts to the shift in daylight. — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 17 July 2026 Advisors should help clients slow down, clarify their actual goals, understand the tax implications and resist pressure from outside voices. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

The stage will combine an LED volume wall, advanced camera tracking and real-time 3D engines to blend physical sets and actors with digital environments.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
But beyond those dates, bookings for June 10 through July 19 totaled 430K nights, roughly flat compared to last year, suggesting no real uplift on those days, Linda Rollins, an AirDNA research analyst told the Miami Herald.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Sanders noted that the president’s proclamation, which imposed a partial travel ban on holders of Antigua and Barbuda passports, contained several factual errors.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
The service has launched on the App Store, Google Play and a dedicated website with more than 100 titles across crime, drama, reality, dating, factual entertainment and docs.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

The same may be true for military personnel, law enforcement officers, commercial drivers or others who are subject to strict workplace drug-testing programs.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 July 2026
This is the true bureaucracy standing in the way of housing that families can afford — not federal programs or subsidies helping those very families stay housed.

— Jake Day, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2026