factual

adjective

fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chəl,
-chü-əl,
ˈfaksh-wəl
Synonyms of factualnext
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 How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually
ˈfak-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
-chə-lē
-chü(-ə)-lē
ˈfaksh-wə-
adverb
factualness noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This article has been updated with additional information and remarks. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice. — Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth. — Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The Grierson Trust celebrates British and international documentary and factual TV. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for factual

Word History

Etymology

fact + -ual (in actual)

First Known Use

circa 1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of factual was circa 1832

Rhymes for factual

See All Rhymes for factual

Browse Nearby Words

factrix
factual
factualism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Factual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factual. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce factual (audio)
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 How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually
ˈfak-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce factual (audio)
ˈfaksh-wə-lē
adverb
factualness noun

Legal Definition

factual

adjective
fac·​tu·​al ˈfak-chə-wəl How to pronounce factual (audio)
1
: of or relating to facts
factual issues
2
: restricted to or based on fact
factuality
ˌfak-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce factual (audio)
noun
factually adverb
factualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on factual

Nglish: Translation of factual for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All