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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of actual The wealthiest Seattle suburb is Mercer Island, which is an actual island, east of the city. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026 For those determined to wrap an actual object, gifting experts say the trick is to avoid anything that merely announces its own price tag. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026 Join an educational tour at this park, or watch a reenactment of the battle nearby—these events are not allowed on the actual site. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

Spot prices reflect real-time market trading and serve as a benchmark for futures contracts, ETFs and retail bullion pricing.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Since the homemade icing on the cake is so sweet, and the real star of the show, my mom always opts for a lighter chocolate cake mix, like milk chocolate, instead of dark chocolate or fudge.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Award-winning factual producer Proper Content is set to shutter amid tough market conditions.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 2 July 2026
Sotomayor, writing for the liberal justices, accused the majority of cutting the litigation short and argued that unresolved factual questions should have been returned to the lower courts.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

This underscores how Apple's control over its devices, from hardware to software, limits true ownership and poses challenges for long-term digital preservation.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
If religion is corrupted by breaking down the wall of separation, much the same is true of the state.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026