MATTER-OF-FACT Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

matter-of-fact

adjective

ˌma-tər-ə(v)-ˈfakt

Definition of matter-of-fact

as in factual

restricted to or based on fact a matter-of-fact recitation of the events of the last week

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pragmatic

willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly a matter-of-fact woman who didn't worry about "what ifs"

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 matter-of-fact So the visual language should also feel matter-of-fact and grounded in some way. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 Now, once matter-of-fact lessons have become tense. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 May 2026 For all the hype around his improvement — albeit three months out from the regular season — Burden kept things matter-of-fact after practice. — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 29 May 2026 There are more of those flash-photography scenes and whole sequences that play in black-and-white, stitched into the fabric of the film with matter-of-fact unshowiness by editor Nicolas Rumpl. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matter-of-fact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matter-of-fact

Adjective

That factual slipperiness might matter less if the psychology connected more deeply.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of factual

Adjective

The former are dreamy, romantic; the latter, hard-nosed, pragmatic.

— Merve Emre, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Fischer-Rosenthal takes a pragmatic view on whether set-jetting will permanently ruin these enclaves, pointing out that ultra-luxury pricing acts as a natural barrier to entry.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of pragmatic

Adjective

Bonesho said this latest interpretation doesn’t lessen the artifact’s historical importance.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
In addition to the historical displays and remembrances, Bennett said, there will be music courtesy of local band Emerald City and games and activities for children.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

While Patchett’s depiction of equine behavior is fairly realistic, the decisions of the main character in this central tale are less so.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Modular systems, portable data and realistic fallback plans keep one dependency from becoming the foundation of the whole business.

— Atul Sabharwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of realistic

Adjective

Playing the helpful citizen, Martinez drove his literal truckload of ALPR bits directly to the Sheriff’s department, where he was promptly taken into custody.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Something at home could be bothering you more than you’d like to admit, perhaps a tense family dynamic or the fact that your apartment is a literal mess.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of literal

Adjective

Turning the measured effect into a practical quantum-control tool will require researchers to understand and manage the remaining optical imperfections.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
The upcoming holidays will test AI's practical advantage in navigating uncertainty and building resilient retail businesses.

— Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

The InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, also located on Via Veneto, will become the documentary hub.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
Her work combines documentary observation with staged composition to explore female perspectives, Berlins subcultures, and everyday intimacy.

— PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of documentary

Adjective

The true main event will pit top AEW star Mercedes Mone against Willow Nightingale in yet another women’s world title match that will not go on last.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026