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
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 factual
Speculation, without factual support, does not advance the investigative process.
—
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
While these instances may currently be unexplained, experts said one benefit of releasing the files may be that scientists, analyzing the data, can help provide factual explanations.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
In areas where factual completeness matters such as legal research, tax analysis, or medical documentation, domain-specific AI tools will give companies a distinct advantage.
—Danny Werfel, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
If Yoon appeals, the case will move to the Seoul High Court, which can review legal interpretations and factual findings.
—Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for factual
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
While these instances may currently be unexplained, experts said one benefit of releasing the files may be that scientists, analyzing the data, can help provide factual explanations.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
In areas where factual completeness matters such as legal research, tax analysis, or medical documentation, domain-specific AI tools will give companies a distinct advantage.
—Danny Werfel, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
If Yoon appeals, the case will move to the Seoul High Court, which can review legal interpretations and factual findings.
—Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
-
Add in Paul Mescal's solid turn as an absent Bard dad who deals with the loss in his own way, plus a cathartic final act, and director Chloé Zhao's gut-wrenching historical drama has a good chance of placing high on a lot of Oscar voters' lists.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The owner of the hoard remains a mystery According to historical records, 24 households were situated on the block where the coins were left.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In some regions, that means the actual sea level could be several meters higher, meaning millions more people are at risk of inundation than previously thought.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Democrats did not see that as an actual concession by Republicans, considering Noem was becoming a political liability for the GOP, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
During an excavation of the site, as mandated by the California Environment Quality Act, SFPUC hired a documentary team to capture the findings of Muwekma Ohlone artifacts over two years.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Anyone whose citizenship could not be verified would be required to submit documentary proof.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There are worse places to steal away for a work call back to the real world, or to finish a book.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Is that in any way a real check on Live Nation’s power?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Imagine meeting the love of your life, entering a relationship with them, and then belatedly realizing your literal body rejects the union.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The British singer’s new tour features a dress made of literal receipts that allegedly allude to her breakup with David Harbour.—
Shane O’Neill,
Washington Post,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the opposite was true Tuesday morning.—
Rachel Royster
Updated March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Luneberg lens design Autonomous vehicle safety has mostly focused on onboard tech, but true reliability may require upgrading the roads themselves.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Significant experiment The effort is part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a nonfictional experiment with detectors that will be immersed in huge baths of cryogenic liquid argon, which is going the opposite direction — down.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But what was more interesting to me are those who aren’t fantasizing about being in a fictional world, but who are fantasizing about being a different reader, in a more secure nonfictional world.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
