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
  • Its existence shows that ancient engineers were already designing instruments to convert invisible natural forces into visible signals.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • His discreet existence ends when a bounty placed on his head thrusts him on the run with Thomas Shepard, a mysterious boy who may be Vision’s son, reincarnate.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • But two months ago, Belmonte, who is 34, started looking to buy – and reality set in.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • As Emmy voting gets underway, the show landed 11 nominations, including an outstanding host for a reality or reality competition program nod for RuPaul.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of reality
Noun
  • For many, the realization that a UK ETA is required often comes as a surprise.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This is the first time these kids are having that realization.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of realization
Noun
  • The outcome of this bellwether case is expected to significantly influence whether other states pursue similar legal actions against AI companies.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For the 11-year-old Batisa, though, his immediate concern is not the disease which has killed more than 2,300 people among at least 5,000 cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • Those people do not like the fact that their AI output could be detected as having come from AI.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Compounding the crisis is the fact that airlines are actively resisting standardization in a bid to outdo each other.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • The Fishback file James Fishback, with no relevant accomplishments or experience, is running a disgracefully racist and antisemitic campaign marked by demeaning attacks on Donalds, who is Black.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But those accomplishments have done little to turn Jeffries into a recognizable national spokesman for the Democratic Party.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • The 41-year-old is widely considered one of the best players in history, winning five Ballon d’Or awards in addition to a host of major trophies and record-breaking achievements.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Their statistical achievements are almost impossible to separate from their commercial value.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Like in the Premier League, flick-ons and second-ball chaos is at the root of Coventry’s success in these scenarios.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The right technology, tools, strategy and perspective on what’s changing in the worlds of AI, influencer marketing, e-commerce and beyond are key to future success.
    — Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 18 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 21 Aug. 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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