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
But the substantial difference on our benchmark suggests that o1 provides more reliable information, while R1 struggles with factual consistency.
—
Manas Gaur, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
This was a factual dispute about whether a directive had been given.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2025
Image In the past, the office has also performed another quality-control function: Checking factual statements in draft orders and insisting upon solid evidence supporting any material claims before approving them, veterans of the office say.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Felonious Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has launched another appeal of her conviction and sentence, claiming that a three-judge panel that shot down her first appeal in February was confused on one point, illogical on another, and made factual mistakes in hearing her case.
—Mercury News, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for factual
Manas Gaur, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
This was a factual dispute about whether a directive had been given.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2025
Image In the past, the office has also performed another quality-control function: Checking factual statements in draft orders and insisting upon solid evidence supporting any material claims before approving them, veterans of the office say.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Felonious Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has launched another appeal of her conviction and sentence, claiming that a three-judge panel that shot down her first appeal in February was confused on one point, illogical on another, and made factual mistakes in hearing her case.
—Mercury News, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
-
The last time Border Patrol averaged fewer than 9,000 monthly apprehensions along the southern border over a year was in the late 1960s, according to historical agency figures.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
1 May 2025
-
Stringfield’s honor comes at a time when Black historical figures are being removed from government websites and the way Black history is taught is policed statewide and nationally, and as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being rolled back by national corporations.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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However, because of the time required to design and produce the actual medal, the ceremony in the U.S. Capitol wasn't on the books until recently.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
29 Apr. 2025
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The mostly instrumental project kicks off its time at No. 37 on the Official Soundtrack Albums chart, joining the actual soundtrack inside the top 40.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The various plaintiffs challenging Trump's executive order argue requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote would create barriers for millions of eligible voters.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
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But Matheson pointed out that there was a lack of documentary evidence that that was the rationale for the purchase.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Let the real world speak for itself, these works tell us, and the message has the volume of a loud scream.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The role of deep and purposeful human connection amid this literal and figurative perfect storm of circumstances has never been more crucial.—
Paul David,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Merrill has everything Max doesn’t: a wife, kids, a house to himself, a literal white picket fence.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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While hazing has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, incidents like the one in Syracuse are reminders of how vague the true scope of hazing nationwide remains and the need for more tangible hazing prevention practices, experts and advocates say.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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