factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl 

-chəl,

-chü-əl,

ˈfaksh-wəl

1

: of or relating to facts

a factual error

the factual aspects of the case

2

: restricted to or based on fact

a factual statement

She tried to separate what is factual from what is not.

factuality

ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

factually

ˈfak-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē

-chü(-ə)-lē

ˈfaksh-wə-

adverb

factualness noun

Synonyms

• documentary
• hard
• historical
• literal
• matter-of-fact
• nonfictional
• objective
• true

Examples of factual in a Sentence

That statement is not factual.

a report filled with factual errors

the factual aspects of the case

Recent Examples on the Web

Third, the court will require the borrower to prove the amount of its damages, which can raise complicated factual issues. —Joshua Stein, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

New additions to the lineup include Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, factual specialist Autentic, the rights division of French powerhouse Mediawan, U.S. broadcaster PBS’s international unit, and formats specialist TGC Global Entertainment. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2024

However, its filled with factual inaccuracies and the man behind its publishing can’t guarantee its authenticity. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024

There’s huge opportunities there for factual program makers, like us. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l 

ˈfaksh-wəl

1

: of or relating to facts

a factual error

2

: restricted to or based on fact

a factual statement

factuality

ˌfak-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

factually

ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē 

ˈfaksh-wə-lē

adverb

factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl 

1

: of or relating to facts

factual issues

2

: restricted to or based on fact

factuality

ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

factually adverb

factualness noun