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
City leaders are still unclear if the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan would require an actual demolition of the mall.
—
Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
All figures are subject to change based on the league’s actual revenue totals, which should increase over the coming years.
—Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
In recent years, scores of groups have sprung up to assist people dealing with homelessness, drug addiction and the symptoms of untreated mental health disorders — all of which can heighten the perception of crime, even when actual numbers go down.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Nothing in practice can prepare Williams for the strain of an actual playoff game.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actual
Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
All figures are subject to change based on the league’s actual revenue totals, which should increase over the coming years.
—Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
In recent years, scores of groups have sprung up to assist people dealing with homelessness, drug addiction and the symptoms of untreated mental health disorders — all of which can heighten the perception of crime, even when actual numbers go down.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Nothing in practice can prepare Williams for the strain of an actual playoff game.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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The defense bent a lot and didn’t break often but didn’t have any real signature plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But under questioning from Cruz, Vladeck conceded that approving a nondisclosure order without any factual proffer would be inconsistent with a judge’s oath, if that hypothetical were true.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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The producer is Angie Daniell, the casting director is Jenny Duffy, the factual producer is Louise Kentleton and director of production is Lianne Hickey.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
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One mailer in particular said that Persson and fellow Democratic candidates wanted to build apartments on 300 acres of green space, which isn’t true, Persson said.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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