Definition of actualitynext
1
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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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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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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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 In actuality, a soccer drubbing broke out. Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026 The Lumières would remain comparatively grounded, sometimes working in what could be called actualities, other times in deliberately fictional sequences. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026 In actuality, Miller desperately needed a bucket to extend a 69-68 lead and had drawn up a play calling on star guard Tramon Mark to drive to the basket and get a shot off. Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2026 The first Boxster was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actuality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actuality
Noun
  • Fin-to-limb is less discussed, yet more central to our collective existence.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Steyer had planned to spend $100 million, and his wealth proved a liability in a race where rivals including Sanders decried the existence of billionaires.
    Sophie Austin, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Facing that reality and the coming cuts, San Diego and other jurisdictions officially closed off their voucher programs to new applicants not long ago.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Roseman could draft for the next few years and might not find a tight end with that athletic profile or an offensive tackle with that size, and those are realities that the general manager values when making the evaluation.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That realization turned his life around.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • For more than two dozen players, Thursday night marks the realization of their lifelong NFL dreams.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Their immediate challenge is that the ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections — and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Reached by email earlier this week, Jennifer Spradley, an attorney in the public defender’s office in Tampa, said the office wouldn’t comment on Abugharbieh’s case.
    Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The simple concept of three women sharing a unified bill on the road, in fact, was something they were deprived of for most of their careers within the indie-rock scene.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, so many diners made that selection that the entire room carried the aroma of fish at one point.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ashton has also been recognized for several personal athletic accomplishments.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The accomplishment shocked military planners everywhere.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ultimately, his earlier achievements at Borussia Dortmund, as well as Liverpool, meant there was plenty of goodwill knocking around and no obvious appetite for change, even on the internet.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Appreciate moments of athletic achievement.
    Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Kerr’s success is as rare as his candor.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Braves enjoyed a renaissance under Snitker’s leadership, ushering in a line of acclaimed prospects and shrewd acquisitions that created the second-best era of sustained success in Atlanta history.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actuality. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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