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
In cases of employment, housing, and public accommodation, by simply using one’s freedom of speech to utter a biologically factual pronoun, a person could find him or herself in the crosshairs of a Colorado Civil Rights Division investigation and punishment or possibly a lawsuit.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
fairness meter
fairness meter
Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for factual
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2025
This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
fairness meter
fairness meter
Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for factual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for factual
Adjective
-
The Presidents Cup, the PGA Championship, this is a major historical legacy for sports here in this city.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2025
-
To reach that goal, historical accuracy had to be built into every stage of the plotline.—
Jaha Nailah Avery,
Essence,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Crypto deals raise questions Unless court orders are narrowly tailored to only cover the actual litigants, the administration argues, judges will have too much power to stall crucial presidential actions.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
-
But this was my first actual experience living through one — actually packing a fire bag.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
The top limited per screen average so far is 2025 is for the documentary Secret Mall Apartment, a surprise standout by Jeremy Workman and self-released by Wheelhouse Creative, that opened in late March to $40.5k at one exclusive engagement in Providence, RI and is still in theaters.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
The documentary streaming boom is officially over, according to Academy Award-winning producer and Impact Partners co-founder Geralyn Dreyfous.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
5 May 2025
Adjective
-
And, unfortunately, most people aren’t taught what a real, healthy relationship should look like (at least, not correctly).—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
There are, however, hotels that make a real difference.—
Nina Ruggiero,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Lynx were literal seconds away from a ring last year.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
This is a literal fireable offense from Pat Riley – Metcalf.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Brands can now measure interactions that happen across different channels and touchpoints, such as call center conversions or in-store actions—creating a true omnichannel view.—
Heidi Bullock,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
The Johnny King Buck In 2006, Wisconsin deer hunter Johnny King shot what some folks believe is the true world-record typical whitetail.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/factual. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share