Actual
Actual adjective - Existing in fact and not merely as a possibility.
Usage example: the actual outcome of the election was quite different from what everybody had expected
Factual is a synonym for actual in property topic. In some cases you can use "Factual" instead the word "Actual" as an adjective or an adverb, when it comes to topics like true, accurate, real, existing. popular alternative
Factual
Factual adjective - Restricted to or based on fact.
Usage example: a factual biography of George Washington that scoffs at the story about the cherry tree
Actual is a synonym for factual in property topic. You can use "Actual" instead the word "Factual" as an adjective or an adverb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as true, accurate, real, authentic. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
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Pretty much every mythology is shown as having a factual basis with actual gods inspiring it if not fully living it.
Source: Comic Book / The Mighty Thor -
Explored also in the two-parter Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit, when the Doctor confronts what may or may not be the original, actual, factual, Devil.
Source: Belief Makes You Stupid -
Following the film, the actual Bob Lamonta at the awards lists everything that wasn't factual, revealing the whole film was made up.
Source: Oscar Bait
Cite this Source
Factual and Actual. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/factual
Actual & Factual. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/factual>.
Factual or Actual. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/factual.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "actual" and "factual" have occurred on timeline