ACTUAL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

actual

adjective

ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl

Definition of actual

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of actual Absent the actual experience, the next best thing is to read about it. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026 That keeps the user's actual card number away from the merchant and the AI agent. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Tell me more about William, the actual villain, and what his character represents. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026 In an era where millions of recipes are made for content consumption as much as actual consumption, traveling back in time for someone’s beloved 1970 banana bread recipe sounds pretty nice. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual

Adjective

Non-traditional cuts of steaks are the order of the day at Alvear Grill, while L'Orangerie y el Jardin d'Hiver serves a breakfast buffet that's a real treat, and afternoon tea with white-gloved waiters.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Those changes represented real progress, Davis said, but the industry largely failed to question the commercial system into which those materials were being introduced.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

The court has already said that second half is Congress’ job, and the usual objection — that nobody could tell the difference — is about to stop being true.

— John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
But back then, Carla was worth significantly more than Morgan; now, the inverse is true.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026