actuality

noun

ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce actuality (audio)
Definition of actualitynext
1
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reality
the quality of being actual the actuality of equal opportunity depends on more than just having laws that supposedly ensure it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in realization
the state of being actual or complete the actuality of a manned flight to the moon would never have been believed a hundred years ago

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in case
something that actually exists these estimated tax revenues, from casinos that have yet to be built, are being treated as actualities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of actuality But in actuality, Pratt did receive more votes to his total then — 21,870 more. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Daily News, 6 June 2026 In actuality, there was no professional photographer there, just his mother hiding in the bushes filming the entire thing. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 In actuality, its premise falls closer to Apple’s Palm Royale or the 2010s ABC drama Revenge, following a mysterious outsider trying to gain a foothold among the elite. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 The film eliminated even a gesture toward a plot while showing solitary nonprofessional and real-life ranch-hand Misael Saavedra chopping and hauling logs in the Argentinian hinterlands (in actuality, Alonso’s family’s ranch). — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for actuality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuality
  1. existence
  2. reality
  3. realization
  4. case
  5. fact
  6. accomplishment
  7. achievement
  8. success
Noun
  • San Jose has 18 regular-season games remaining to secure a playoff spot for the second time in the franchise’s three years of existence.
    — Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 5 July 2026
  • The fact that this would have to be an invisible and infinite material that doesn't interact with physical objects made the existence of the luminiferous ether highly controversial.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • The reality is that leading men dictate roles and others follow as needed.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • There's still a fair distance between the current realities and a fully hands-off system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • As Vedder handed her the guitar, Bella immediately lit up with excitement, jumping for joy as the realization set in.
    — Christina Cardona, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • That was huge, because Mary has had the realization that what was supposed to be a nurturing maternal force in her life had a damaging impact on her.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • As of July 6, 23 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in two of Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhoods, according to the New York City Department of Health.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Multiple references are made to an op-ed Weist wrote making a case for greater regulation of the private investigator industry.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • Add the question marks surrounding Rodón to the fact that Fried (elbow bone bruise) doesn’t seem likely to return for at least a few more weeks.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • This ignores the obvious fact that the Constitution prohibits Congress from giving official status to any religion or from preventing someone from practicing the religion of their choice.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • But even after a lifetime of effort to push this country forward, his story, vision and accomplishments are still just being acknowledged.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Due to the difficulty of the greens, that feels like a major accomplishment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • The Oscar-winning actor will receive the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award at the 83rd annual Venice Film Festival.
    — Hanna Rantala, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • That’s a major achievement for the local industry, which has been held back by limited distribution channels, fragmented networks, and a lack of market-ready skills.
    — Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Strong internal relationships, institutional credibility, leadership opportunities, and career growth often come more easily inside organizations where people know your value and are invested in your success.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • While the administration lost its bid this week to do away with birthright citizenship by executive order, its strategy has, in large part, been a success.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of success

Phrases Containing actuality

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actualities
actuality
actualization
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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuality. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Nglish: Translation of actuality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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