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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of actual
Limestone is widely considered one of the more affordable natural stone options for a fireplace surround, though the actual cost of the material can vary widely depending on the appearance of the limestone and where the material was sourced.
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Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
The rebound in November, while strong, likely overstated the labor market's actual momentum.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
In the win, Bedard had a primary assist in the first period, had a goal negated due to a kicking motion in the second period and then scored an actual goal from the right circle in the third period.
—Scott Powers, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
The Fight for $15 movement, which has been pushing Congress to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, got started in 2012, meaning that target has already lost about a third of its actual spending power without having actually passed.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for actual 
Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025
The rebound in November, while strong, likely overstated the labor market's actual momentum.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
In the win, Bedard had a primary assist in the first period, had a goal negated due to a kicking motion in the second period and then scored an actual goal from the right circle in the third period.
—Scott Powers, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
The Fight for $15 movement, which has been pushing Congress to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, got started in 2012, meaning that target has already lost about a third of its actual spending power without having actually passed.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for actual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actual
Adjective
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If style is your top priority but function is less important, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250, depending on the brand and materials (for example, real leather is often more expensive).Avery Stone, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
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Normally, the jet stream resembles a real stream, slicing directly across the country with perhaps a few small meanders.Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This article includes reporting from The Associated Press. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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The emotional impact of VR experiences could potentially overshadow factual evidence, and different viewing angles might lead to inconsistent interpretations among jurors.Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
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By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near actual
Cite this Entry
“Actual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actual. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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