1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real
the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 actuality
There are no areas of London that are home to quite that much derelict real estate, after all — in actuality, this kind of territory would soon be rampant with pop-up food trucks and redevelopment.
—
Catherine Bray, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025
But Anderson punctures his weed haze with the bright light of a past that in actuality never dimmed, when Lockjaw begins to hunt Pat and Willa.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
But Francois is promised to Juliet and doesn’t think his father would understand where his true feelings lie — remember the time in history when all of this was taking place (but then, Shakespeare did have men playing the role of women in actuality).
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2025
The two clips stitched together were, in actuality, more than 50 minutes apart.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actuality
Catherine Bray, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025
But Anderson punctures his weed haze with the bright light of a past that in actuality never dimmed, when Lockjaw begins to hunt Pat and Willa.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
But Francois is promised to Juliet and doesn’t think his father would understand where his true feelings lie — remember the time in history when all of this was taking place (but then, Shakespeare did have men playing the role of women in actuality).
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2025
The two clips stitched together were, in actuality, more than 50 minutes apart.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actuality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuality
Noun
-
Academics and authors seem split on its real-world existence, but Schwartzstein is a firm believer.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The year 2025 marked the second-busiest the restaurant has been in all 21 years of the restaurant’s existence, Wohlfarth said — second only to 2022, the year after COVID restrictions settled.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That said, many of the gains players made here won’t dramatically affect their bottom lines, and the reality is that most players on ECHL deals will still need those second jobs and other sources of income to continue to chase their dream of making it to the next level.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
And the reality of Victoria Park is much more wonderful.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Study time Like the tight ends, the Rams’ coaching staff had its own realization after the Jacksonville game.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The laughter their sketches were getting was based on the audience’s realization of just how charged these issues were.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said his team found cases drag on for more than two years, and one lasted about seven years.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The people elect representatives to project their ideas and feelings to those in power and, in our case, with three branches that keep each other in check.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, the last three Chiefs results have all been for the best for them — losing in the short-term offers some benefit for the team’s long-term future.—
Sam McDowell
January 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some of her incredible accomplishments also happen outside of the studio.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Planting a simple pot of herbs or flowers stimulates positive feelings, self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Most Gazans who had come of age or graduated from university in 2006 when Israel’s blockade was imposed were in 2023 reaching the second half of their thirties without ever having had a job, despite their impressive educational achievements.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Watson’s combination of scientific achievement and controversial remarks created a complicated legacy.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
My highest priority, now and always, is the well-being and success of our students, teachers, and the staff who support them.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This comes roughly a year after the success of Weaver’s unit during the 2025 season led to interviews with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears for their head coach openings.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuality. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share