actuality

noun

ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce actuality (audio)
Definition of actualitynext
1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

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2
as in reality
the quality of being actual the actuality of equal opportunity depends on more than just having laws that supposedly ensure it

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3
as in realization
the state of being actual or complete the actuality of a manned flight to the moon would never have been believed a hundred years ago

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4
as in case
something that actually exists these estimated tax revenues, from casinos that have yet to be built, are being treated as actualities

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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 actuality The two of them stood on Syl's porch, which in actuality was just a wide, square block of cement. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 June 2026 In actuality, the term refers to the trace levels of cocaine and its breakdown products that exist in waterways. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 In actuality, Truman had won the election. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 The film eliminated even a gesture toward a plot while showing solitary nonprofessional and real-life ranch-hand Misael Saavedra chopping and hauling logs in the Argentinian hinterlands (in actuality, Alonso’s family’s ranch). — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for actuality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuality
  1. existence
  2. reality
  3. realization
  4. case
  5. fact
  6. accomplishment
  7. achievement
  8. success
Noun
  • Could this explain why so many of our most reputable creatives are exploring what was once peripheral, spoken of with disbelief, and envisioning it as another possible dimension of existence?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The weather bell’s very existence might spark a puzzled glance or two from anyone unfamiliar with it.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • That is the reality physicians must be willing to acknowledge.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Aggregate data can obscure radically different labor market realities, and monetary policy calibrated only to the aggregate can miss the productive capacity sitting beneath it.
    — Katica Roy, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • The urge to act quickly could be strong, but not every realization needs an immediate dramatic response.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The market appears to have come to this realization and rewarded Meta shares accordingly.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • The killing occurred a week before a hearing was scheduled in McKinsey and Jang's divorce case.
    — TERRY CHEA, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Pressure for action on all types of kratom is mounting after two students at the University of Mississippi died this month, with kratom products found on the scene in both cases.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • The fact is, surveillance of women's intimate health data puts them at risk.
    — Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Bass campaign, citing the fact that Raman appeared on Piker’s stream the same day, fired off an email to reporters claiming the councilmember had lied about her reasons for missing the Jewish heritage event.
    — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Budge said some of her proudest accomplishments during her time on the council include Mather Veterans Village, the Sacramento region’s first permanent supportive housing development for homeless and disabled veterans.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Being in the playoffs should feel like an accomplishment, but winning a series would be even more impressive.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • Hamm also created the Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes, which recognizes and promotes lasting achievements in diabetes research.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This list recognizes the women reshaping business and philanthropy — the leaders whose achievements in 2026 expanded the boundaries of influence, innovation and impact.
    — CNBC.com staff, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Every dollar poured in weaves the technology’s success and the US economy tighter and tighter together.
    — Yerbol Orynbayev, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2026
  • During an onstage conversation earlier in the week following a Los Angeles screening of Digger, Cruise discussed his pursuit of success throughout his career after having started in the business at a young age.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of success

Phrases Containing actuality

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actualities
actuality
actualization
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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuality. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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