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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Recent Examples of actual
City leaders are still unclear if the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan would require an actual demolition of the mall.
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Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
All figures are subject to change based on the league’s actual revenue totals, which should increase over the coming years.
—Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
In recent years, scores of groups have sprung up to assist people dealing with homelessness, drug addiction and the symptoms of untreated mental health disorders — all of which can heighten the perception of crime, even when actual numbers go down.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Nothing in practice can prepare Williams for the strain of an actual playoff game.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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The defense bent a lot and didn’t break often but didn’t have any real signature plays.—
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While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy.—
Adjective
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But under questioning from Cruz, Vladeck conceded that approving a nondisclosure order without any factual proffer would be inconsistent with a judge’s oath, if that hypothetical were true.—
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The producer is Angie Daniell, the casting director is Jenny Duffy, the factual producer is Louise Kentleton and director of production is Lianne Hickey.—
Adjective
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This is especially true for plants that are marginally hardy in your area, as well as common perennials like woodland phlox, lamb’s ear, and hardy geraniums.—
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Fellow true freshman Joshua Moore should be in line for a bigger role next season as well.—
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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