factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chəl, 
-chü-əl, 
ˈfaksh-wəl
Synonyms of factual
1
: of or relating to facts
a factual error
the factual aspects of the case
2
: restricted to or based on fact
a factual statement
She tried to separate what is factual from what is not.
factuality
ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually
ˈfak-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chə-lē, 
-chü(-ə)-lē, 
ˈfaksh-wə-
adverb
factualness noun

Synonyms of factual

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Examples of factual in a Sentence

That statement is not factual. a report filled with factual errors the factual aspects of the case
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Docs On The Dock There is always a strong line up of documentaries at the Rendez-Vous, with sellers turning up at the waterfront location with new factual shows. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 The documentary was also chosen for FACTory, the Australian International Documentary Conference’s forum for pitching new factual and documentary projects to international buyers. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 While the factual circumstances differ, there are notable parallels between social-media apps and sports-betting apps. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The theory, which has no factual basis, underscored how such events can fan mistrust along national lines in the region. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for factual

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of factual was circa 1832

Rhymes for factual

See All Rhymes for factual

Browse Nearby Words

factrix
factual
factualism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factual. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wəl
1
: of or relating to facts
a factual error
2
: restricted to or based on fact
a factual statement
factuality
ˌfak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually
ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wə-lē
adverb
factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
1
: of or relating to facts
factual issues
2
: restricted to or based on fact
factuality
ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually adverb
factualness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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