actually

adverb

ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē How to pronounce actually (audio)
Definition of actuallynext
1
as in honestly
to tell the truth actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in really
in actual fact I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 actually As far as the healthcare component of it, no one is actually being kicked off and there aren’t actual cuts. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The wrong clock In apparel sourcing, cost per minute doesn’t actually refer to the number of garments produced every 60 seconds. — Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 What behavior actually gets rewarded when transformation ambition and short-term performance collide? — Kelvin Cheema, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Here’s what dermatologists say about whether doing less actually helps your skin, who should try it and who should skip it. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
  1. honestly
  2. really
  3. frankly
  4. very
  5. indeed
  6. truly
Adverb
  • Start by honestly assessing whether your organization is open to accepting IT as a partner.
    — Ken Feyder, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And honestly, it's been the other way—influencers have reached out to us for samples or collabs.
    — Khushbu Shah, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of honestly
Adverb
  • And yet 59% of the Hornets’ shots came from three-point range — this is a team that really never stops shooting them, for better or for worse.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Loves, cities, and musical genres may change, but that girl who felt left out has never really stopped writing.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of really
Adverb
  • The win won’t change what’s frankly been an unacceptable campaign for a program that was 18-1-4 just two seasons ago.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But frankly, that sounds apocryphal, like a movie scene — which is helpful, because there is a film in development.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of frankly
Adverb
  • And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.
    — STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The Dolphins’ attendance has dropped significantly so far this season, albeit in a very limited sample size.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of very
Adverb
  • In War, for example, Morgan Henderson does indeed cheat on his wife with a 20-something aspiring actress.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
  • You may be forgiven for anticipating a potboiler climax when a lush hideaway with a private beach is concerned, and what occurs there is indeed juicy.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of indeed
Adverb
  • Reid was truly impressive in all facets and a guy Hornets fans are really going to like.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Daniella choreographing contemporary is always a treat, but this one is truly stunning.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of truly

Browse Nearby Words

actualizing
actually
actuate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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