1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in really
in actual fact
I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of actually
For the 2024-25 school year, the only school that will actually close as a K-12 facility will be Broward Estates Elementary in Lauderhill, which is becoming an early learning center.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
But that raises a follow-up question: If AI is on the path to becoming an autonomous insurance agent, what does that path actually look like?
—Sam Henry, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Data from China's national statistics bureau shows that when U.S. tariffs reached their peak, the value of overall exports actually jumped by 8.1% in April when compared to the previous year, beating economists' predictions.
—Emily Feng, NPR, 27 May 2025
Of its initial funding, PayPal spent less than $10 million actually building its app—but pumped an additional $70 million or so into a referral program, whereby new users and the person who invited them would each receive $10 in credit.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
But that raises a follow-up question: If AI is on the path to becoming an autonomous insurance agent, what does that path actually look like?
—Sam Henry, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Data from China's national statistics bureau shows that when U.S. tariffs reached their peak, the value of overall exports actually jumped by 8.1% in April when compared to the previous year, beating economists' predictions.
—Emily Feng, NPR, 27 May 2025
Of its initial funding, PayPal spent less than $10 million actually building its app—but pumped an additional $70 million or so into a referral program, whereby new users and the person who invited them would each receive $10 in credit.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
The robots, honestly, aren’t yet amazing at punching and kicking each other, and sometimes fall off-balance while attacking or defending themselves.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Healthy societies have the ability to assess their strengths and weaknesses honestly.—
David Brooks,
Mercury News,
31 May 2025
Adverb
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Could iPhones really cost $3,500? President Donald Trump is threatening a tariff of at least 25% on Apple if iPhones are not manufactured or built in the United States.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
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And the city and state taxpayers will bear the cost of any fix — and does anyone really think our government is capable of doing that effectively? — Dean Gerber, Chicago Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Adverb
-
These new kicks will go perfectly with your favorite team's City Connect jerseys and hats on game day, or quite frankly, with any outfit.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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The film deals frankly with Joel’s addictions, and how what saved him was probably his obsession with his songcraft.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Adverb
-
Wilkerson said dental procedures are generally very safe.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
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Both contests were ones in which Oklahoma City held what felt like a very safe lead late in the game, only to result in a Thunder loss on a shot in the final seconds.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adverb
-
Putin may indeed be in a position to help, given his leverage with both Washington and Tehran.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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There is, indeed, a drug operation at the address Joe gives Elliot.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
5 June 2025
Adverb
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Viewers will now have to wonder whether Ellie truly dies (a plausible scenario, given the current body count), and the wait could last up to two years given the previous gap between seasons.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 May 2025
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But more likely, fans truly have seen the last of Joel.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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