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 The actual story and meaning of Possible Love wasn’t even important to me. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 Before this escalates any further, examine their actual histories. — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Her government has also discussed holding national elections with the State Department, though those have not yet materialized in actual commitment. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

Out of the 26 letters of the Roman alphabet, or any writing system, an identity can be assigned, fixed—and made, if not real, then socially legible and governmentally legal.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Digital assets felt different—a sign that the industry’s real growth is still ahead, not a bet on the market.

— Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

That factual slipperiness might matter less if the psychology connected more deeply.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Docs On The Dock There is always a strong line up of documentaries at the Rendez-Vous, with sellers turning up at the waterfront location with new factual shows.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

Showrunner Felicia Pride brought the concept to the streaming service with a goal to modernize the look and feel of the show while staying true to much of the feeling from the original.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
As much as there’s little room for nuance in the interval of frenzied overreaction that is Week 1 of the NFL season, two seemingly contradictory statements can be true at the exact same time.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026