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 The platform is meant to address the gap between material innovation and what luxury brands actually need from suppliers. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026 However, whether these provisions will actually work is at the heart of the debate. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 Using words like ghosts or spirits undermines what these entities actually are. — Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026 Make your interest known, then listen carefully enough to learn whether the opportunity actually suits you. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 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
  • Part of me thinks that friends should be able to share their feelings/perspectives honestly.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Did the network honestly think a large portion of the college football base would not stay up for a late kickoff that came after Notre Dame played Miami, or Georgia faced Ole Miss in primetime?
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • And yet 59% of the Hornets’ shots came from three-point range — this is a team that really never stops shooting them, for better or for worse.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Loves, cities, and musical genres may change, but that girl who felt left out has never really stopped writing.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of really
Adverb
  • The problem is the acting, which is broad, detached and, frankly, often amateurish.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But hearing that sweet murder-durder voice spring ferth from Ray Donovan is, quite frankly, werth the price of admission for those of us holding an outsized appreciation for actors attempting difficult regional dialects.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of frankly
Adverb
  • For example, because of their own home-buying timeline, a seller may need to close very quickly or may need more time than usual.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
  • These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • In War, for example, Morgan Henderson does indeed cheat on his wife with a 20-something aspiring actress.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
  • You may be forgiven for anticipating a potboiler climax when a lush hideaway with a private beach is concerned, and what occurs there is indeed juicy.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of indeed
Adverb
  • The group of girls are just truly amazing and really fight for each other.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Kate currently lives in the wilds of Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and a truly outrageous number of pets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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