MATTER-OF-FACT Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

matter-of-fact

adjective

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfakt

Definition of matter-of-fact

as in factual

restricted to or based on fact a matter-of-fact recitation of the events of the last week

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pragmatic

willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly a matter-of-fact woman who didn't worry about "what ifs"

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 matter-of-fact Herzog’s matter-of-fact filming style (which includes some long takes and awkward pans) has little evocative power. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Sarah Pidgeon has a knack for wearing elevated essentials in a matter-of-fact way. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 2026 At its center was Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), a man perpetually resisting the changing times who provocatively expressed his old-school views through blunt, matter-of-fact bigotry. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 July 2026 So the visual language should also feel matter-of-fact and grounded in some way. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter-of-fact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter-of-fact

Adjective

Despite those circumstances, Yusuf continued dispensing oxycodone to Llerena, according to the factual proffer.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
In factual, Frow has welcomed big names to the network like Monty Python star Michael Palin, who has journeyed to North Korea and the Philippines for documentary series.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

The row reached the competition jury’s press conference the day after the opening ceremony, where a reporter raised the question of historical fact and creative freedom.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Furthermore, the use of economic arguments to justify oppression has disturbing historical precedent.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

The latest 104-qubit simulation, however, accounts for realistic hardware noise, allowing researchers to examine how errors affect magic state cultivation.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Washington should work with allies’ defense industries and military planners to come up with a new division of labor, set force levels, and create a realistic timetable to meet their goals.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of realistic

Adjective

Rather than doing a literal adaptation, the creators kept the book’s DNA and tweaked the ideas of evil, temptation and power with a contemporary twist.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Edebiri’s look brings to mind musician Bjork’s quite literal interpretation of a swan dress at the 2001 Academy Awards; an outfit cemented in pop culture history as one of the red carpet’s most referenced, albeit campy, moments.

— Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of literal

Adjective

This is the practical discipline of moving ever onward in the face of ambiguity.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Its experimental results could help determine whether fast-spectrum molten chloride reactors can progress toward practical applications, including future maritime power systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

However, cinematographers always need time and encouragement to get inventive with commonplace tools, especially in the documentary world where Hutchens does so much work.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Doc Square gave out two new prizes at its documentary work-in-progress showcase.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of documentary

Adjective

An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
The counter-argument that these groups already get the same knowledge from Iran, which gets it from China, Russia, and North Korea, is largely true.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026