actuality

noun

ac·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce actuality (audio)
ˌak-shə-
plural actualities
Synonyms of actualitynext
1
: the quality or state of being actual
2
: something that is actual : fact, reality
possible risks which have been seized upon as actualities— T. S. Eliot
Phrases
in actuality
: in actual fact

Synonyms

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Examples of actuality in a Sentence

The actuality was quite different from the theory. the actuality of the Abominable Snowman is not taken seriously by scientists
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sidney Poitier — Lilies of the Field (1963) Sidney Poitier made history as the first Black actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor, for a film that may seem slight on the surface but, in actuality, is a great representation of his one-in-a-million skill as a leading man. — EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 But in actuality, only now does the real work have to begin. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 In actuality, the infrastructure is a carefully orchestrated combination of multiple tracking systems. — Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 In actuality, the government spent less on the contract — around $400 million over the course of the past four years for 44 different sub-contracts — and the IDIQ is likely to have only minimal additional spending. — Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for actuality

Word History

Etymology

Middle English actualite "capacity for action, effective power," borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuālitāt-, āctuālitās, from Late Latin āctuālis actual + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of actuality was in 1587

Rhymes for actuality

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Browse Nearby Words

actuality
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Cite this Entry

“Actuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuality. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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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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