Synonyms of actual

actual

adjective

ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl 

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

• real
• factual
• true
• genuine
• very
• concrete
• final
• literal
• effective
• existent
• absolute
• sure-enough
• valid
• substantial
• proven
• demonstrated
• tangible
• substantiated
• realistic
• certain
• objective
• de facto
• validated
• real-world
• confirmed
• real-life
• convincing
• positive
• unmistakable
• authentic
• verifiable
• established
• indisputable
• undeniable
• unquestionable
• inescapable
• irrefutable
• incontrovertible
• bona fide
• believable
• incontestable
• authoritative
• authenticated
• indubitable
• attested
• verified
• certified
• palpable
• hard
• certifiable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• potential
• possible
• theoretical
• hypothetical
• ideal
• nonexistent
• alleged
• conjectural
• assumed
• platonic
• supposed
• fictional
• fictitious
• envisioned
• imagined
• imaginary
• suppositional
• reputed
• legendary
• fabled
• illusory
• visualized
• inexistent
• pictured
• conceived
• fanciful
• envisaged
• symbolic
• chimerical
• fake
• romantic
• invented
• abstract
• make-believe
• virtual
• unreal
• pretend
• fabricated
• made-up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of actual

Witt, Jac Caglianone and the other Royals players won’t play on the actual field used in the movie, but at one built nearby. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, the actual investors, individuals, pension boards, state treasurers, and city comptrollers who take their fiduciary duties seriously and want to do right by their constituents, keep investing. — Dr. Andrew M. Hutter, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

That's all that separates us from an actual college football Saturday. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Frank said the actual text of the amendment did not guarantee that. — Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026