real 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce real (audio)
Definition of realnext
1
as in genuine
being exactly as appears or as claimed this shirt is real silk, not polyester

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility asked her parents if the Tooth Fairy was real

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in true
free from any intent to deceive or impress others real folk who don't put on airs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

real

2 of 2

adverb

as in very
to a great degree this fish tastes real good

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 real
Adjective
For Clark, that may be the real inheritance her grandmother left behind. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 With millions of lines of data now generated every day, the company's data platform Brilliant Factory can provide a real-time view into how each of its nine major appliance plants is running, down to the workstation. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Adverb
There’s another description of an older car that’s real loud. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 Everything about it will be real leading up to it, and get that game-like atmosphere. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for real
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real
  1. genuine
  2. actual
  3. true
  4. very
  5. authentic
  6. factual
  7. unaffected
  8. damn
Adjective
  • In the artists who are asking that people leave their phones at home or in their pockets at concerts, in the genuine concern over whether younger generations are going to be able to read like older generations.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No government has publicly disclosed how many were judged genuine.
    — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Professional athletes have joked about it in the past, with even all-time NBA great LeBron James teasing at a potential college sports journey post-retirement—albeit as more of a joke than an actual plan.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a way to test real oil-and-gas-style well equipment using actual supercritical CO₂, rather than testing it with water or air and hoping the results translate.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of actual
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
Definition of true
Adverb
  • The artists at The Library Show paid The Garage’s proposed no Milwaukee rap very little mind.
    — Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Films can change the world, or at the very least, the people who walk it.
    — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of very
Adjective
  • Small strategic changes—from strengthening the opening hook to featuring more authentic voices or making the next step clearer—can have a meaningful impact on whether viewers actually take action.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Creators that have authentic connections to sports and other lifestyle verticals are invaluable to marketers.
    — William Earl, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of authentic
Adjective
  • 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
  • Florida TaxWatch, an organization known for keeping a sharp eye on overspending, has a new website that breaks down the fiscal impact of Amendment 3 in ways that are fair and factual — unlike Ingoglia’s fictional claims.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • The same statement also said that construction and installation at facilities unaffected by the fire would continue as normal and that air quality was being continuously monitored.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the facility was unaffected with no other injuries reported, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
    — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adverb
  • This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This sucker is super small and lightweight, clips on in a second, and feels damn close to the original inputs.
    — David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of damn

Phrases Containing real

Browse Nearby Words

reaffixing
real
real estate
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Cite this Entry

“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on real

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about real

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