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

Of course, this is just an illustration, as the actual numbers are reported. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

An actual big band stationed on a scaffold upstage evokes the roaring ‘20s. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

All of it makes for a dramatic telling of the infamous murders, but Murphy’s version departs significantly from what is known about the actual events. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Liza is the first actual Editor-in-Chief of Hutcheson’s ownership. — Bob Guccione Jr, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026