Actual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl/ ac·tu·al

Meaning & Definition of Actual

Actual (adjective)

  1. existing in fact or reality
  2. not false or apparent
  3. —used for emphasis

Actual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. existing in fact and not merely as a possibility

    "the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected"

    similar: concrete, de facto, effective, existent, factual, genuine, real, sure-enough, true, very
    related: attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, valid, validated, verified, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, inescapable, irrefutable, undeniable, unquestionable, believable, convincing, literal, realistic, unmistakable, verifiable, authentic, bona fide, real-life, real-world, absolute, certain, final, hard, objective, palpable, positive, substantial, tangible, authoritative, certifiable, certified
    opposite: conjectural, hypothetical, ideal, inexistent, nonexistent, platonic, possible, potential, suppositional, theoretical
    near: alleged, assumed, reputed, supposed, conceived, envisaged, envisioned, imagined, pictured, visualized, chimerical, fabled, fanciful, fictional, fictitious, illusory, legendary, fabricated, fake, imaginary, invented, made-up, make-believe, pretend, romantic, abstract, symbolic, unreal, virtual

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Actual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Actual:

concrete, de facto, effective, existent, factual, genuine, real, sure-enough, true, very

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Actual

Words with the opposite meaning of Actual:

conjectural, hypothetical, ideal, inexistent, nonexistent, platonic, possible, potential, suppositional, theoretical

Related Words for Actual

attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, valid, validated, verified, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, inescapable, irrefutable, undeniable, unquestionable, believable, convincing, literal, realistic, unmistakable, verifiable, authentic, bona fide, real-life, real-world, absolute, certain

Near Antonyms of Actual

alleged, assumed, reputed, supposed, conceived, envisaged, envisioned, imagined, pictured, visualized, chimerical, fabled, fanciful, fictional, fictitious, illusory, legendary, fabricated, fake, imaginary, invented, made-up, make-believe, pretend, romantic, abstract, symbolic, unreal, virtual

Origin & Etymology of Actual

Middle English, "active, existing in fact," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French actuel, borrowed from Late Latin āctuālis, from Latin āctus act:1 + -ālis -al:1

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Actual

actual cash value, in actual fact

Frequently Asked Questions about Actual

What does "Actual" mean?

"Actual" means existing in fact or reality. As an adjective, it is defined as: existing in fact or reality.

What is another word for "Actual"?

Other words for "Actual" include concrete, de facto, effective, existent, factual, genuine, real and sure-enough. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Actual" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Actual"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Actual". Common alternatives include concrete, de facto, effective, existent, factual, genuine, real, sure-enough, true and very.

What is the opposite of "Actual"?

Antonyms of "Actual" include conjectural, hypothetical, ideal, inexistent, nonexistent, platonic, possible and potential. Near antonyms include alleged, assumed, reputed and supposed.

How do you use "Actual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Actual" in a sentence: "the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected".

Is "Actual" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Actual" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Actual"?

"Actual" is pronounced /ˈak-ch(ə-w)əl/ and divided into syllables as ac·tu·al.

What is the origin of the word "Actual"?

"Actual" comes from Middle English, "active, existing in fact," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French actuel, borrowed from Late Latin āctuālis, from Latin āctus act:1 + -ālis -al:1. First known use: 14th century.