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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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

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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 But in actuality, Pratt did receive more votes to his total then — 21,870 more. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 6 June 2026 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 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
  • Only a few years later, in 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, advancing the radical idea that all life was in flux and that variation, adaptation, and transformation were the fundamental conditions of existence.
    — Andrew Zuckerman, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Often called Planet Nine—poking fun at professional astronomers’ 2006 demotion of Pluto from being the solar system’s ninth planet—this hypothetical body’s existence has been hotly debated, though that hasn’t slowed the search.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • There is no tension between expectation and reality, no concrete regret or achievement, no shift in perspective, nothing gained or lost.
    — Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The reality is that today’s AI chipsets require massive amounts of power.
    — Lee-Lean Shu, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • There’s also a visceral realization that the runway ahead is shorter than the runway behind.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Businesses should start by identifying where price realization breaks down.
    — David Osborne, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • It's now recognized as one of the first online predator cases in the country leading to child abduction.
    — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Democracy Defenders Fund is representing the Kennedy family in its case against the arch.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • William is reportedly unwilling to reconcile with his brother, despite the fact that Harry has repeatedly apologized for making their problems public.
    — StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 7 Nov. 2026
  • So, Bielema is correct in the fact that if Illinois was currently 6-3 and played an SEC conference schedule, it would be ranked.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Those accomplishments do not disappear simply because our professional paths are diverging.
    — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Passing this bill would also be a great legacy accomplishment for Speaker Johnson, Chairman Arrington, lead Republican co-sponsor Huizenga, and others.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • Doncic has been on a scoring tear for the Lakers, his play at such a high level that even coach JJ Redick has marveled at the guard’s achievements.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Though the success of the doc represents an achievement for the form — as well as for Fielder, Oppenheim, and studio A24 — the overall picture at the box office this weekend is more mixed.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Sara Sothern was the driving force behind her daughter’s career, channeling her own ambitions into Taylor’s success.
    — Estrella Albendea Ruiz, Vanity Fair, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Also worth noting that only one New York football coach has had any sustained success this century—Tom Coughlin, hired with a great track record at Boston College and Jacksonville.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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