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 The two of them stood on Syl's porch, which in actuality was just a wide, square block of cement. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 June 2026 In actuality, the term refers to the trace levels of cocaine and its breakdown products that exist in waterways. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 In actuality, Truman had won the election. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 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
  • As Worth Ranch prepares to celebrate 100 years of existence at the end of the decade, Hunter remains confident that new buildings can be constructed and the land restored.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Dark matter, meanwhile, is thought to be the glue that holds galaxies and other massive structures in the universe together, but again, its nature is an enigma and its existence remains unproven.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • The 12-episode series – produced by Studio Dragon and released as a TVING original on CJ ENM‘s Korean streaming platform – follows Kang Seong-jae, played by Park Ji-hoon, a young man who joins the military to escape a difficult reality.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • If the United States is serious about landing humans there before the end of this decade the space agency could use more resources to make that a reality.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • Cantu’s wife, who heard her husband, then exits the home and comes to the horrid realization that her husband is dead or dying on the front yard.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That realization led to the Prebys Foundation’s Healing Through Arts and Nature initiative that connects the community with experiences in arts, culture, and nature.
    — Grant Oliphant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • The trial brings to a head a decades-old case that for years has drawn the eyes of hip-hop fans and true crime experts alike.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • Verify the numbers, name the next step, and let clear facts make the agreement feel safer for everyone involved.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • If the aim, as stated, is to deal an economic blow to Iran, the fact is that the country is already under severe strain.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • It’s often said that great athletes struggle to talk about their sport and their accomplishments.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • McGuiness’ in-ring appearances have been few and far between but getting back in shape to make it through to the end is an accomplishment in and of itself.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • But what do athletes think of robots not only encroaching on their turf, but surpassing their achievements?
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Both schools featured their ranking in separate social media posts, and despite not being ranked as high as Central, Pettit said South’s achievement is worth celebrating.
    — Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Crowds boomed along with that success, increasing the exposure and scrutiny.
    — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Somers Superintendent Sam Galloway, whose district has surpassed its pre-COVID test scores, attributed the success in part to the district limiting screen time for students.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actuality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actuality

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