ACTUAL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

actual

adjective

ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl

Definition of actual

as in real

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of actual Correcting inaccurate information can help ensure your credit reports reflect your actual financial history. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Writing strips out the reactive tone that damages trust and forces people to engage with the actual argument instead of the way it was said. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 However, unless the Mannings have privately agreed to such a move, which seems unlikely, pairing them with Buck sounds more like wishful thinking than an actual plan. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Both were actual people born in the late 18th century who, despite their best efforts, became mere footnotes in musical history. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

While these tracks are endearing enough, Way Dynamic’s real magic sits at the juncture of folk and forlornness, when Young’s guitar is allowed to ramble and his regrets are sharp enough to bruise.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
These reactive oxygen species, or ROS, can do real damage to mitochondria, cells and organs.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Despite those circumstances, Yusuf continued dispensing oxycodone to Llerena, according to the factual proffer.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
In factual, Frow has welcomed big names to the network like Monty Python star Michael Palin, who has journeyed to North Korea and the Philippines for documentary series.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
The counter-argument that these groups already get the same knowledge from Iran, which gets it from China, Russia, and North Korea, is largely true.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026