actually

adverb

ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē How to pronounce actually (audio)
Definition of actuallynext
1
as in honestly
to tell the truth actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

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 actually In fact, research shows that talking openly about suicide is an important plank of prevention that can actually decrease suicidal thoughts and ideation. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 July 2026 Looking forward to next season, Lind isn’t giving out any spoilers, but says audiences will learn more about how much Oreana has actually known about the family business, and will settle into a new role in it. — William Earl, Variety, 6 July 2026 Gwen Stefani’s seemingly subversive (but actually appropriative) pop punk palatable feminism-lite was another touchstone for Elle. — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026 Corbin, 22, and Parmida, 27, actually knew each other before appearing on Love Island USA. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
  1. honestly
  2. really
  3. frankly
  4. very
  5. indeed
  6. truly
Adverb
  • There's a mobile app (Android/iOS) and a desktop app (Windows only), but honestly, who wants more apps bloating their already bloated app ecosystem?
    — Joe Salas July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
  • There should honestly be a sequel parody of Twister where the storm chasers use tornados to cover up their kills.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • However, none of them will really turn heads like the Tetra, or offer anything resembling a rear suspension.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 July 2026
  • Here is everything to know about how common anxiety in dogs really is, what the research says about scent work and how to start using it at home.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of really
Adverb
  • And thirdly, the confidence Harley has in its 2026 bikes to facilitate such a thing, and on a wet racetrack no less, is quite frankly amazing.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • But this documentary makes the point that this was a bloody, years-long battle that claimed so many lives and that, frankly, impacted every single person on this territory.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of frankly
Adverb
  • Despite consuming mass quantities of high-calorie foods during competition season, most professional competitive eaters are very lean.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Music icon Taylor Swift and football star Travis Kelce, who announced their engagement in August 2025, are anticipated to tie the knot very soon.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • After having watched a few replays, Claus, indeed, showed Balogun a red card.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Sauced is indeed coming back, this time in a much larger space.
    — Jenna Thompson July 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of indeed
Adverb
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The truly remarkable thing about this country is its ingenious ability—through elections, immigration, freedom of speech, and economic mobility—to constantly remake itself.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026
Definition of truly

Browse Nearby Words

actualizing
actually
actuate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of actually for Spanish Speakers

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