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
1
as in truth
agreement with fact or reality
some viewers complained that the TV docudrama was short on factuality and long on speculation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reality
the quality of being actual
although this account of the scheme seems like it must be fiction, its very factuality makes it all the more fascinating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
Adjective
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
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
-
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
-
Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In truth, Elisabeth grew up with a ne’er-do-well father who saw himself as an adventurer more than a paternal figure.—
Elizabeth Djinis,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Apr. 2025
-
There is also truth behind Blues coach Jim Montgomery’s series of verbal daggers after Game 4.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The trial over a 2016 heist that saw reality star Kim Kardashian robbed at gunpoint is kicking off.—
Juliette Jabkhiro, Makini Brice,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The prime minister acknowledged this reality in his victory speech on Monday night.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
The man who dethroned Rhodes, John Cena, took photos with guests during a kickoff party on WrestleMania Sunday just hours before Cena became WWE’s last real champion.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Discuss Tools’ Trustworthiness Women tend to be more cautious about AI’s fairness and accuracy.—
Corinne Post,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
By August 2025, the University must submit to the government a report—certified for accuracy—that confirms these reforms.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, the output is the most finely ground of any of these machines.—
Kat Merck,
Wired News,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In fact, the past few years have seen a particular rise in the drag king scene on the island.—
James Factora,
Them.,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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