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
In the season’s last few episodes, however, the show leans hard into its real-world inspiration, casting actual pros like Collin Morikawa as themselves.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 4 June 2025
But in terms of actual similarities between character and person, there’s only the vague echo of Malkmus’ own journey from the Central Valley suburb of Stockton, California, to New York City in pursuit of rock & roll.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
Rather, while some roads saw some minor flooding, the heaviest bands of rain stayed offshore, lessening the chances for actual flooding.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Soliman has been charged federally with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.
—Peter D'abrosca , Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Alison Herman, Variety, 4 June 2025
But in terms of actual similarities between character and person, there’s only the vague echo of Malkmus’ own journey from the Central Valley suburb of Stockton, California, to New York City in pursuit of rock & roll.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
Rather, while some roads saw some minor flooding, the heaviest bands of rain stayed offshore, lessening the chances for actual flooding.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Soliman has been charged federally with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.
—Peter D'abrosca , Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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JoJo Siwa has been on a real rollercoaster ride over the past month.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
3 June 2025
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That’s the real opportunity for the industry today.—
Shahar Man,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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In turn, Bivins brought in another friend to execute the deadly plot, according to an FBI criminal complaint and the factual statement filed with his plea agreement.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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Have three response templates ready: factual correction for misinformation, values reaffirmation for criticism, and security protocol for threats.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Hoang said the online allegations — none of which were true — led to threats of violence against the university, and there was talk that some parents withdrew their children because of them.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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