1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in really
in actual fact
I call her Aunt Emily, but she is actually my cousin, not my aunt
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 actually
That’s small consolation at a time when emissions need to not just slow down but actually decline in order to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Blue bedroom ideas are a longtime favorite for coastal locales and boys’ bedrooms, but the versatile hue can actually be taken in any direction, according to Sarah Montgomery of Sarah Montgomery Interiors in Chicago.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025
Fred is the gang's alpha male, often appointing himself the leader while not actually being all that helpful, at least not on purpose.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But in this case, unfortunately, Netflix quite deliberately forsook what was actually unique about the novel to produce a series resembling every other historical program now on offer — with a few more olive trees.
—Anthony Paletta, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Justin Worland, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Blue bedroom ideas are a longtime favorite for coastal locales and boys’ bedrooms, but the versatile hue can actually be taken in any direction, according to Sarah Montgomery of Sarah Montgomery Interiors in Chicago.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025
Fred is the gang's alpha male, often appointing himself the leader while not actually being all that helpful, at least not on purpose.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
But in this case, unfortunately, Netflix quite deliberately forsook what was actually unique about the novel to produce a series resembling every other historical program now on offer — with a few more olive trees.
—Anthony Paletta, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
-
During interviews, communicate the company culture and expectations honestly.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Just seeing the excitement of Chicago for both of us, honestly, was really cool at that time.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Part of the invitation design, and part of the idea of curating your event, also includes really fun attire recommendations.—
Maria Ward,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Our crew was really amazing, and the cast was wonderful to work with.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Split Fiction takes everything the studio has learned from those games and expanded on it in the most creative and frankly jubilant way imaginable.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Per the inimitable Nicole Kidman, movies have a unique power to provoke intense emotions, and frankly that may be all that’s separating us from the looming robots at this point.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Peters returns for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s fresh, surprising and very special Broadway production, following its run in Los Angeles.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Heat illness already frequently harms outdoor workers with very little protection in place for their safety.—
Georgia Christakis,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The account is indeed real, and it’s gotten Wells’ attention.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
6 Apr. 2025
-
In the comments, many people assured the woman that her parents are indeed proud of her achievement, despite their seemingly blasé reaction to the news.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Use your brew time to truly take a break from the screen and enjoy your beverage.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
But for those who don’t sleep through it, the event offers the chance for a truly rare sighting that may look like devil horns on the horizon.—
Carlyn Kranking,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share