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
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Recent Examples of real
Todd Longwell, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026
Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The real fun – specifically the real loud fun – came in the third period with the Wild and Panthers tied 2-2 and Florida on one of its six power plays in the game.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real
Adjective
The exodus of film and TV production from California is a real and painful thing.
—Todd Longwell, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026
Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 Jan. 2026
Adverb
The question will likely come about this offseason whether Stafford wishes to make Year 18 real with the Rams.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The real fun – specifically the real loud fun – came in the third period with the Wild and Panthers tied 2-2 and Florida on one of its six power plays in the game.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real
Adjective
-
The new telescope represents a genuine leap toward accessible professional astronomy, stripping away the technical barriers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The strength of the Premier League has never been more evident, with each side posing a genuine threat to take points off each other.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Ronaldo is today a reflection of how the media, sport and entertainment industry is more and more about media and entertainment and less about the actual sport.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Although firms are bullish on AI’s potential, the technology has not yet paid off, and investors are reacting to uncertainty about its actual value.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That speaks of self-protection, not transparency or true accountability for Andrew, who has denied all allegations against him.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Mass debranding is also required because, in true FIFA style, only the governing body’s official partners and sponsors can be visually present at the World Cup.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Tucked in among all of the many things that Pep Guardiola has got off his chest about referees over the past couple of weeks was a very small detail that might explain an awful lot.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Yes, there's a very pretty swath of sand leading to the Atlantic Ocean, where lifeguards keep watch every day of the year.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And for all its simple, primary-color narrative, The Musical captures something authentic about the all-consuming, world-destroying power of resentment.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Recently listed with Savills for €36 million (about $42 million), the sprawling property doesn’t just have a grand residence but also an authentic castle, along with a consecrated 12th-century church, its own vineyard, and olive groves.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Her exit is the second senior departure from the team this year, following true crime supremo Dan Korn, who has commissioned thousands of hours of factual shows for Sky History and Crime+Investigation over the past decade.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Documentary Campus brings 25 years of experience in professional training, networking and market development for documentary and factual content.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The preschool is unaffected, the museum said, and will remain in the Mohegan Drive space.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This cooks the food only, leaving the container unaffected.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The rooftop pool was phenomenal, with gorgeous views and a daiquiri that was pretty damn good.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Giannis was a damn good reason.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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