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
Celeste Polanco, Essence, 3 June 2025
All of his links to the real world are frayed or contrived.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The real exciting aspect for more moderate sports fans or conversely more moderate entertainment fans is the bundle pricing.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for real
Adjective
However, the real star of the show is the puffer complex.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 3 June 2025
All of his links to the real world are frayed or contrived.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Adverb
There's no real clear idea on what's durable, what's not, what's up for negotiation, what's not.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The real exciting aspect for more moderate sports fans or conversely more moderate entertainment fans is the bundle pricing.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for real
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real
Adjective
-
Learning to be resilient from the inside out is essential for developing genuine capacity and successfully navigating challenging times.—
Melissa Cidado,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Being transparent in this way helps build trust and demonstrates a genuine dedication to improvement.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
This means both the spring and the frame are beneath the actual jumping area.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2025
-
Only 41% of brands surveyed revealed their wage policies, and just 24% provided data on the actual wages paid throughout their supply chains.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Born in Seattle, Schmetzer was a true two-way midfielder as a player with defensive steel and an eye for creating chances.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
-
Hoang said the online allegations — none of which were true — led to threats of violence against the university, and there was talk that some parents withdrew their children because of them.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Adverb
-
Wilkerson said dental procedures are generally very safe.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
-
King Charles is very sick, and there are reports that succession plans are already underway.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Like in those shows, there were small aspects of her character that felt true and authentic to Black women’s experiences.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
2 June 2025
-
Yes, native plants are definitely authentic, and great for supporting our birds and pollinators, but their magic can be subtle in a landscape, one that takes time to appreciate.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
In turn, Bivins brought in another friend to execute the deadly plot, according to an FBI criminal complaint and the factual statement filed with his plea agreement.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
-
Have three response templates ready: factual correction for misinformation, values reaffirmation for criticism, and security protocol for threats.—
Gillian Oakenfull,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized that the city's drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
Tariffs imposed under a different legal authority called Section 232 — including on imports of autos, steel and aluminum — are unaffected by the ruling.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
How can leaders conduct honest conversations without inspiring defensiveness, denial, or backlash?—
Lauren Howe,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
One of those fans, apparently, is singer Ciara, who recently urged the Harlem artist to make Lampkin an honest women after running into the rapper in the BET Awards press room this weekend.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share