1
as in genuine
being exactly as appears or as claimed
this shirt is real silk, not polyester
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
asked her parents if the Tooth Fairy was real
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in true
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
real folk who don't put on airs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in very
to a great degree
this fish tastes real good
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 real
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Rubio and Vance could be headed for a real nomination fight if the secretary of state's numbers continue to rise.
—Joe Battenfeld The Boston Herald, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026
That openness can be a real competitive advantage.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real
Adjective
The robots were sent to the frontline for reconnaissance as part of efforts to test the platform in a real combat environment, reports Futurism.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Rubio and Vance could be headed for a real nomination fight if the secretary of state's numbers continue to rise.
—Joe Battenfeld The Boston Herald, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
In addition, BLiSS technology is not yet fully efficient, and the simulants used are only approximately like the real thing — real lunar and Martian regolith might respond differently.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026
That openness can be a real competitive advantage.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real
Adjective
-
These are experiences that EXPLORE facilitates best, and each traveler contributes to the projects in their own, genuine way.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Audiences today discover culture across feeds, streets, and screens — and the next generation craves in-person experiences that foster genuine connection.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
So if a person thinks about moving their hand, the device reads those brain signals and turns them into an actual movement.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Rodin had last been there on December 28, 1949—the actual date of the visit.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
How to Spot the Next One Before sharing a story that sounds too absurd to be true, check the source page.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
-
That’s particularly true in the world of elite prep schools, which sometimes cost nearly $100,000 per year and often give athletic aid.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
What is more concerning is that the KC-135 is now very old (first built in the late 1950s) and is in dire need of retirement or upgrade.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Leaderboards were filled with circles and squares with very few pars in between.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Across the city, Sacramentans know Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza is the hottest place to get an authentic Chicago deep dish pie.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
14 Mar. 2026
-
That never was an authentic process.—
Mark Woods,
Florida Times-Union,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the past year, this FCC has attacked the media as part of a years-long campaign by this Administration and its allies to discredit factual, independent coverage while blaming the press for growing public distrust.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
-
As someone trying to protect my father hundreds of miles away, clear, factual information made all the difference.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
It’s soon determined that Grace will be part of a crew on a one-way journey to the unaffected star to figure out why, and then send the answer back to Earth.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Nowadays, the Southwest Chief is run by Amtrak (which gets government funding but operates independently enough to be unaffected by recent government shutdowns).—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
There’s gonna have to be a lot of that because these NFL rights are going to be so damn expensive, these streaming services are going to have to figure it out.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The Hemi set the bar pretty damn high—Dodge got a comical 1,025-hp claim out of the Demon 170 before ending production of the Challenger.—
Andrew P. Collins,
The Drive,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
