In reality
In reality adverb - Used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly.
Virtually and in reality are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Virtually" instead an adverb phrase "In reality".
Virtually
Virtually adverb - Very close to but not completely.
In reality and virtually are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "In reality" instead an adverb "Virtually".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- much and in reality
- much and virtually
- really and in reality
- really and virtually
- actually and in reality
- actually and virtually
- truly and in reality
- truly and virtually
- fairly and in reality
- fairly and virtually
- absolutely and in reality
- absolutely and virtually
- verily and in reality
- verily and virtually
Both terms in one sentence
- In reality he is supporting a mistress on the side in a decades-long affair that is virtually a second marriage, while at the same time having short-term affairs with other women as well.
Source: Happy Marriage Charade -
While this had some basis in reality, it's worth noting that this was virtually the only role in which Asian women were seen for many years, Dragon Lady role aside.
Source: Asian Hooker Stereotype -
This is by and large why the wargame was thrown out, as both sides had bent the rules so much that the challenge had virtually no basis in reality anymore.
Source: Moving the Goalposts
Cite this Source
Virtually and In reality. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/virtually
In reality & Virtually. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/virtually>.
Virtually or In reality. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/in_reality/virtually.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "in reality" and "virtually" have occurred on timeline