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Definitions

real

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /
ADJECTIVE
genuine in existence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolute actual authentic certain evident for real honest legitimate original palpable physical positive sincere solid substantial substantive true undeniable
STRONG
concrete corporal essential existent firm material present right sound stable
WEAK
bodily bona fide corporeal de facto embodied existing factual heartfelt in the flesh incarnate indubitable intrinsic irrefutable live perceptible rightful sensible tangible unaffected undoubted unfeigned valid veritable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
counterfeit dishonest disputable doubtful dubious false fraudulent hidden indefinite invalid mental obscure questionable spiritual uncertain unclear unreal unreliable unsure untrustworthy vague
STRONG
flexible immaterial intangible unfit unhealthy unimportant unstable
WEAK
fake feigned imaginary untrue

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The real difficulty is the second-round effects that they won’t really get evidence for until six to 12 months down the line,” Jack Meaning, chief U.K. economist at Barclays, said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Catsimatidis made millions from buying New York real estate on the cheap in the 1970s when the city was in deep economic trouble.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"There's a real confidence needed for coaches to feel that they are capable of working with disabled athletes," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Yet the real winners of the April stock-market rebound — at least, so far — are in the smaller and far more speculative camp.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Between gasps, Dalton asks, “What do we win if it’s not a real place?”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing real

"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks

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