1
as in honestly
to tell the truth
actually, I'd rather spend the evening at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of actually
Most important, cable cars are a form of transit commuters and visitors actually enjoy riding.
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Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Instead of actually rushing all six players, Ryans drops the defensive end and the stand-up linebacker from the left side.
—Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
And Seahawks third-rounder Russell Wilson (2013) and Eagles third-rounder Nick Foles (2017) actually lifted the Lombardi Trophy.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actually 
Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025
Instead of actually rushing all six players, Ryans drops the defensive end and the stand-up linebacker from the left side.
—Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
And Seahawks third-rounder Russell Wilson (2013) and Eagles third-rounder Nick Foles (2017) actually lifted the Lombardi Trophy.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for actually
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actually
Adverb
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Iannucci comes honestly to his cynicism about those in power.Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
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Try to answer honestly, but keep things age-appropriate.Tamekia Reece, Parents, 8 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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But also, some of the bracelets people gave me were really inappropriate.Emma Specter, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2025
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To let the silvery shade really sparkle, Carpenter skipped eyeliner and looked to be wearing almost no mascara at all, aligning with the current trending movement to skip mascara even in full glam.Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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And, frankly, because of the fires, many couldn’t care less about awards season, except that the season’s ecosystem represents thousands of jobs.Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
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The transparent assessment is, frankly, refreshing.Essence, Essence, 13 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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The Phoenix Suns appear to be the team pushing hardest to trade for Butler, according to league sources, but the complication is that Suns guard Bradley Beal would very likely need to be involved in that deal to make the salary cap math work.Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
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Mainstream economists have warned that the Trump agenda could be inflationary, perhaps very inflationary.Matt Egan, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Perhaps there was indeed some rust with Hurts returning after missing two games in concussion protocol.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
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The Aero name implies something a bit lighter and more mobile; indeed, this is a slimmer laptop with a lower power ceiling.& Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 12 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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The bagel is truly a classic, originating in the 13th century and migrating to the U.S. in the 19th century.Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
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With lush trails, vibrant festivals, and a blend of history and modernity, Montserrat invites travelers to connect with its multifaceted story and experience a truly unique Caribbean escape.Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Actually.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actually. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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