Synonyms for

Actually

Verb / ˈæˌktʃu:ʌli: / / ˈæktʃli: / / ˈækʃʌli: / Another word for actually — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

in fact; truly

Synonyms & similar words

inreality really really truly indeed essentially verily positively honestly absolutely surely certainly genuinely

Synonyms by register

Formal

in fact indeed veritably truly

Informal

really seriously honestly for real

Literary

in truth verily in effect

Antonyms

hypothetically theoretically supposedly ostensibly apparently seemingly

Common collocations

  • actually happens
  • actually means
  • actually think
  • actually do
  • actually see
  • actually happened
  • actually true
  • actually works

Word family

adverb actually

Usage note

Often used to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation, sometimes to correct a misconception. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. Actually, I don't like pizza.
  2. I thought I lost my keys, but actually, they were in my pocket the whole time.
  3. I actually saw a unicorn in the park!
  4. He actually finished his homework before dinner.
  5. I was actually born in a different country.

Quotes

  • Actually, I'm not all that interested in the subject of photography. Once the picture is in the box, I'm not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren't cooks. - Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • Actually, I'm an overnight success, but it took twenty years. - Monty Hall
  • I think actually what I'm going to do when I'm done and take my next vacation, is I'm going to go over and start unions in Japan. - Joe Hill

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