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
  • Down to the Wires The stadium’s structural reality, however, tells only a fraction of the story.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Those results reflect a complicated and difficult reality in Florida’s insurance marketplace.
    — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 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
  • Chalk it up to how busy guys’ lives have gotten, loosening gender norms, or the simple fact that pockets are inadequate for modern life’s necessities.
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Diamonds are generally difficult to invest in due to the fact that there is no standardized spot market for them.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Some trade analysts were struck by how few tangible accomplishments seemed to come from the meeting.
    — MICHELLE L. PRICE, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • With the American League East title won and homefield advantage secured through the Championship Series, the Rays don’t have much to play for during the final days of the regular season besides some individual accomplishments.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 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
  • Opened in 2023 in the Westchester town of Harrison, this all-day cafe from sisters (and NYC natives) Charlotte and Carrie Denoyer quickly took off in part due to the runaway success of the wide-ranging menu's burger.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • If enough people use these tools, humans without them will have little chance of success.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 26 Sep. 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 3 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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