1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of matter-of-fact
Potentially a matter-of-fact statement, but the meaning was lost to thousands of viewers looking in live.
—
Devon Henderson, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Judge Gregory Carro, matter-of-fact in his decision after a lengthy discussion with prosecutors and defense lawyers at the bench, said the state trial could be delayed until Sept 8 if an appeal delays the federal trial.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Emmanwori speaks with a matter-of-fact confidence that’s not boastful.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
The cumulative effect is disarming—a seemingly impossible world is rendered with a clear, matter-of-fact weirdness.
—Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter-of-fact
Devon Henderson, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Judge Gregory Carro, matter-of-fact in his decision after a lengthy discussion with prosecutors and defense lawyers at the bench, said the state trial could be delayed until Sept 8 if an appeal delays the federal trial.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Emmanwori speaks with a matter-of-fact confidence that’s not boastful.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
The cumulative effect is disarming—a seemingly impossible world is rendered with a clear, matter-of-fact weirdness.
—Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for matter-of-fact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter-of-fact
Adjective
-
When Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, Brussels approved the transaction only after Disney agreed to divest several European factual channels, including History and Lifetime, which overlapped with Fox’s National Geographic services in certain territories.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Mar. 2026
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While the broader market grapples with streamer and pay-TV budget cuts, factual distributors are pivoting toward public broadcasters and international partnerships to keep projects viable.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Wenger became more pragmatic over the years that followed.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The everyday was the aim for the Belgian designer, whose pragmatic first collection returned Marni to its house codes, established under founder Consuelo Castiglioni.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The adequacy report includes historical context, as well as superintendent, principal and teacher surveys.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Get inspired via a dedicated website featuring narratives that highlight Route 66’s cultural impact, Then & Now historical images, and a comprehensive events calendar that will help visitors plan to attend centennial events throughout the year.—
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes,
Boston Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There were no indications of direct intervention — but such an expectation wouldn’t be realistic.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Everyone is mature and realistic here.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite their mutual animosity, Colton Underwood took a page out of Lisa Rinna’s (literal) book at the Traitors reunion and talked about it.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In the visuals, Robyn portrays a literal and more metaphoric bareness—there’s nudity, yes, but also a rawness to her look.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Your practical patience turns big ideas into structured, doable steps.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
-
If achieved, that would move the physics from cryogenic laboratories toward practical technologies.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Following his unexpected death, Jacobsen started working on the documentary project with Tijuana playwright and actor Alan Márquez Lobato to tell Paco’s story.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
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But to the surprise of the Montreal filmmaker, her surreal journey into our cosmic universe has earned her an Oscar nomination in the best documentary short category for Perfectly a Strangeness.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 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
Cite this Entry
“Matter-of-fact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matter-of-fact. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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