actuality

noun

ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce actuality (audio)
Definition of actualitynext
1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

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2
as in reality
the quality of being actual the actuality of equal opportunity depends on more than just having laws that supposedly ensure it

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3
as in realization
the state of being actual or complete the actuality of a manned flight to the moon would never have been believed a hundred years ago

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4
as in case
something that actually exists these estimated tax revenues, from casinos that have yet to be built, are being treated as actualities

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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 actuality But in actuality, Pratt did receive more votes to his total then — 21,870 more. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 6 June 2026 The two of them stood on Syl's porch, which in actuality was just a wide, square block of cement. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 June 2026 In actuality, the term refers to the trace levels of cocaine and its breakdown products that exist in waterways. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 In actuality, Truman had won the election. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for actuality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuality
  1. existence
  2. reality
  3. realization
  4. case
  5. fact
  6. accomplishment
  7. achievement
  8. success
Noun
  • Despite this new highway, the Benton that Harrison found was the Benton of most of its existence.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • What about art that makes one cringe with embarrassment at its existence?
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • On its face, however, this inspirational message seems in sharp contrast to economic reality.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • In this moving memoir Levy details the reality of reclaiming autonomy post-divorce.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • That realization can be simultaneously motivating and alarming.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This realization has helped lead to the creation of a bench with life-size statues of 19th century author Robert Louis Stevenson, his wife Fanny Stevenson and their Irish setter cocker spaniel ChuChu.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • Travel and tech accessories include a multi zip case, passport sleeve, double zip wash bag, small laptop case, large flat card holder, key ring with leather strap, and sunglasses case.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Brand took his place in the dock on Wednesday at London’s Southwark Crown Court, as the prosecution began making its case against the Forgetting Sarah Marshall star in a trial that will stretch into December.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • But a Columbia University research team has found that when water molecules come into contact with plastic surfaces, a key chemical reaction does in fact take place.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That tradition began this season, and while Cignetti bemoaned the fact Indiana missed out on so many opportunities, the Hoosiers can take a message from the Spaniard's dominant six-season run.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • No North American sports franchise can claim such an accomplishment since the Shaq- and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers from 2000 to 2002.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And yet, in Wembanyama’s eyes — and those of his teammates — those accomplishments amount to little more than a prelude.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • Yet the latest proposal seems to undercut some of those achievements, according to its critics.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This is a remarkable achievement, and although outside evidence is limited, researchers generally view it as promising.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Speculators may play an important role in markets by contributing to liquidity, but success is measured over shorter time horizons and requires sophisticated risk management.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Over the course of 10 years, Vincent created more than 800 paintings and 700 drawings, desperately hoping for financial independence and commercial success.
    — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of success

Phrases Containing actuality

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actualities
actuality
actualization
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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuality. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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