real 1 of 2

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l How to pronounce real (audio)
Definition of realnext
1
as in genuine
being exactly as appears or as claimed this shirt is real silk, not polyester

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility asked her parents if the Tooth Fairy was real

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in true
free from any intent to deceive or impress others real folk who don't put on airs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

real

2 of 2

adverb

as in very
to a great degree this fish tastes real good

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 real
Adjective
Charlotte council members want investment in ‘third spaces’ Multiple council members said the real issue is a lack of third spaces, which are places where youth can gather outside of work, school or home. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 The real question isn’t whether America can afford to build better infrastructure for aging. — Samir Shah, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026
Adverb
But staying sharp at 85 and being able to climb the stairs at 90 and recognize your grandchildren at 95—that’s the real flex. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026 Regular-season sked out mid-August will reveal Giannis’ for-real home unveiling, plus first visits by LeBron as a 76er and Tyler Herro in Milwaukee duds. — Greg Cote august 2, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for real
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real
  1. genuine
  2. actual
  3. true
  4. very
  5. authentic
  6. factual
  7. unaffected
  8. damn
Adjective
  • Guests with specific needs can coordinate directly with the front desk, which will handle any request with genuine care.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Better Body Pillow balances plush softness with genuine support.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Generally, the closer my preseason ranking came to a team’s final ranking in the actual Top 25, the better the grade.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Check the actual cost, state your terms plainly, and choose the option that supports both confidence and stability today without undercutting yourself.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?
    — Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adverb
  • Anna’s sheer lace dress with a huge keyhole in the front and an open back is fine but also like a million other dresses; the same goes for Jude’s nicely constructed, but very familiar, black velvet dress with a corset.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Quarterback Tommy DeVito looked to him on a go route on the very next play, but Williams didn’t cut back inside for the ball, which appeared to frustrate Vrabel on the sideline.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of very
Adjective
  • Companies must understand who their decisions affect and why the process matters, a point Professor Christopher Marquis makes in his discussion of authentic stakeholder governance.
    — ByThad L. Bench, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Chad Tons The most successful marketing campaigns begin with authentic, memorable experiences.
    — K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of authentic
Adjective
  • Citizens cannot make informed decisions without clear, factual information from those who seek to represent them.
    — Drema Hymon, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The hundred-and-ninety-two-page document appeared to be an incomplete draft, and was filled with annotations, in bright-red text, about factual errors and unsourced claims.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Yet Webb, seemingly unaffected, keeps taking the mound and giving the Giants a chance.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Neutrinos are notoriously unaffected by normal matter—most pass right through it.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adverb
  • The reason the rent is too damn high is because Wall Street is counting on it.
    — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026
  • Hodad’s is a third-generation small business, a San Diego treasure that makes a damn good burger.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of damn

Phrases Containing real

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reaffixing
real
real estate
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Cite this Entry

“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on real

Nglish: Translation of real for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about real

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
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