1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in really
in actual fact
I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of actually
That fact has many wondering whether a marketing campaign can actually win the buy-in of those convinced that Dominion was involved in stealing elections.
—
Bente Birkeland, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
On closer inspection, Capital Economics said Beijing’s policy is actually narrower in scope than initially feared.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Well, this is actually incorrect, pros say.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
What does credit card travel insurance actually cover?
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Bente Birkeland, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
On closer inspection, Capital Economics said Beijing’s policy is actually narrower in scope than initially feared.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Well, this is actually incorrect, pros say.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
What does credit card travel insurance actually cover?
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
This one’s not particularly bizarre, honestly.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
-
And honestly, Kamie was exactly what the show needed.—
Sumayya Tobah,
Essence,
15 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Because that could really be interesting.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The odds of a hurricane landfall in the US really dwindle at the end of October and into November, but there have been notable late-season exceptions.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Which, frankly, is not as impressive as the story behind the making of it.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
21 Oct. 2025
-
At work, learning to micro-relax better can increase energy, productivity and, quite frankly, joy.—
Bill Hoogterp,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
At the very least, a major influx of new cast members are bound to shake up the series third season, which will pick after the dramatic killing of a beloved character, the arrest of another, and the breakup between two more.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
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The King very recently joked about his age during a visit to officially open the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
For these men, in particular, better intervention could indeed be lifesaving.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Lemoine argued that there have indeed been several movements since Art Deco that have been of near or equal resonance, and that served as chapters of the history of design.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
However, Fuller, Carr and the actors are skilled in truly immersing the audience within the Murdaugh ecocosystem, highlighting the men in particular, who used their privilege and wealth to gain dominance over this South Carolina community for generations.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
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To truly understand Sly Stone, or Marvin Gaye or Prince or Miles Davis or John Coltrane, is to know that to whom much is given, much is required.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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