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
In the season’s last few episodes, however, the show leans hard into its real-world inspiration, casting actual pros like Collin Morikawa as themselves.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 4 June 2025
But in terms of actual similarities between character and person, there’s only the vague echo of Malkmus’ own journey from the Central Valley suburb of Stockton, California, to New York City in pursuit of rock & roll.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
Rather, while some roads saw some minor flooding, the heaviest bands of rain stayed offshore, lessening the chances for actual flooding.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Soliman has been charged federally with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.
—Peter D'abrosca , Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Alison Herman, Variety, 4 June 2025
But in terms of actual similarities between character and person, there’s only the vague echo of Malkmus’ own journey from the Central Valley suburb of Stockton, California, to New York City in pursuit of rock & roll.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025
Rather, while some roads saw some minor flooding, the heaviest bands of rain stayed offshore, lessening the chances for actual flooding.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Soliman has been charged federally with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.
—Peter D'abrosca , Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
-
However, the real star of the show is the puffer complex.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
3 June 2025
-
June 03, 2025 Listening well is an essential aspect of leadership – not just to maintain good relationships with employees, but to drive real business improvements and results.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Remember when Google demoed its Bard AI tool in 2023 and its factual error led to its parent company losing US$100 billion in market value?—
Greg Edwards,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
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Puig agreed to waive any legal protections for suppression or exclusion of new information in the factual basis.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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This may be true if your sunscreen is exposed to heat or light.—
Health,
Health,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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