actually

adverb

ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē How to pronounce actually (audio)
-sh(ə-w)ə-lē;
ˈaksh-lē, 
ˈaks-
Synonyms of actually
1
: in act or in fact : really
trying to find out what actually happened
won't actually arrive for an hour
2
: in point of fact
—used to suggest something unexpected
was surprised to learn that she could actually speak German

Synonyms of actually

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Examples of actually in a Sentence

actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Outback remains one of those vehicles that makes sense for people who actually use their vehicle. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 In fact, the breakeven rate of employment growth, or the number of net new jobs needed each month to keep the unemployment rate steady, actually went slightly negative during the summer and fall of 2025. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 This only works, of course, if the ringer actually has the cash available to pay the winning bid if that bid is submitted by the ringer. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The result is a silhouette that—hence the name—actually wraps around the face like a heart. — Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actually

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actuelly, from actuel, actual actual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of actually was in the 15th century

Rhymes for actually

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Browse Nearby Words

actualize
actually
actual neurotic
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Cite this Entry

“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actually. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

actually

adverb
ac·​tu·​al·​ly ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-lē How to pronounce actually (audio)
ˈak-sh(ə-w)ə-lē
: in fact or in truth : really
she actually spoke Spanish
actually, I didn't want to go
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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