fact

noun

ˈfakt How to pronounce fact (audio)
Definition of factnext
1
as in reality
the quality of being actual like other scientists, astronomers deal in the realm of fact, not speculation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in case
something that actually exists once considered a wild fantasy, the Internet is now a fact of everyday life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in detail
a single piece of information a book of little-known facts about famous people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in information
facts plural a collection of factual knowledge about something after reading the facts on the situation, the president concluded that an outbreak of hostilities was all but certain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 fact More than 4,300 people are now on Dion’s Chicago Dream waitlist – a fact that motivates Dawson every day. — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Despite the fact that DK in Kuna has only been open for days, reviews already have begun pouring in on Google. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 Mollica says there was some discussion around the fact that Tommy isn’t shown being attracted to other men in the show. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The play’s tension, gently but poignantly unspooled, develops from the fact that while Ryan has pursued a career onstage, Charlie never did. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fact
  1. reality
  2. case
  3. detail
  4. information
  5. truth
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
  • 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
  • Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The collection mixes authentic OshKosh details like denim and hickory stripe, reimagined with signature Sergio Hudson design elements.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of detail
Noun
  • Spray bottle on bottom shelf of main prep table lacking label information.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Yet, as in many speculative markets, sophisticated participants often have access to better information, stronger analytical tools and more advanced risk-management techniques than retail participants, giving them an informational edge.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of information
Noun
  • Bajaria asked Sarandos point-blank whether there was truth to the rumors gaining stream — and Sarandos, who it’s believed was originally going to break the news on Monday, told her at that moment.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • As a documentarian, Oppenheim felt that truth is what can be captured through preparation and sometimes by accident on relatively objective devices — cameras, microphones.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of truth

Phrases Containing fact

Browse Nearby Words

facsimiles
fact
fact-check
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on fact

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fact

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All