1
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
a factual biography of George Washington that scoffs at the story about the cherry tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
a serious scientist, she is only interested in factual phenomena and lets others speculate about the hypothetical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of factual
And even if the remark could be viewed as factual, Moody added, there is still no defamation case because Loomer failed to demonstrate harm.
—
Andrew Kirell, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
That's just not factual; here's what scientists really know.
—Zoe Mintz, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
In other words, the life-writer cannot take a doggedly factual approach that ignores a whole layer of emotional and imaginative experience.
—Sara Wheeler, Big Think, 17 Apr. 2026
Former Civil Rights Division attorneys on Tuesday accused the Justice Department of cherry-picking from emails and other internal records and deliberately mischaracterizing the factual record.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for factual
Andrew Kirell, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
That's just not factual; here's what scientists really know.
—Zoe Mintz, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
In other words, the life-writer cannot take a doggedly factual approach that ignores a whole layer of emotional and imaginative experience.
—Sara Wheeler, Big Think, 17 Apr. 2026
Former Civil Rights Division attorneys on Tuesday accused the Justice Department of cherry-picking from emails and other internal records and deliberately mischaracterizing the factual record.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
-
That historical egotism fuelled their headiest ambitions.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Over the next 50 years, King authored more than 1,020 decisions and sentenced more than 6,000 defendants, according to historical archives.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The system establishes operational standards through its three main functions that develop incentives while tracking performance and ensuring projects meet actual environmental requirements.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
In my world, the dirty plates should be cleared, but the actual washing of the dishes waits until everyone is finished.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Olivia Wilde’s buzzy comedy The Invite and Marc by Sofia, the first documentary feature from Sofia Coppola, are among the titles that will receive UK Premieres as part of the screen programme at this year’s SXSW London festival.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The documentary categories are a lot more cut and dry.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Every year, Ed Resnick, the owner of Event Carpet, crosses the street from the Met to hand out leftover pieces from the real carpet to fans.—
Dalila Muata,
NBC news,
5 May 2026
-
The only real opportunity for Cubs fans to experience Wrigley’s last look of elegance occurs if the Cubs play in late October or early November in the World Series.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
That includes describing specific campaign messages suitable for advertising or attacking opponents, sometimes highlighted in a literal red box.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Others could go with a more literal interpretation of art, and either realize or reference paintings.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.—
Erik Hayden,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Pee-Wee as Himself, the 2025 Emmy award winner for best documentary or nonfictional special, is also among the nominees.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
-
That delirious excess befits the essence of Lapid’s method, which is a fusion of fiction with indigestibly and irreducibly nonfictional elements.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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