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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.

Ali, not his real name, originally came to the UK as a student from Pakistan in 2011.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The 25-year-old, whose real name is Ismael Ramsey Khalid, is known for his provocative content which have gotten him banned from several streaming platforms.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

While several of the companies cited have stated that they are implementing AI tools, most noted that the comments were from real people—perhaps in part because humans like this speech construction too.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

When he ran for prime minister last year, there were real questions about whether he would take to the political side of the job, and he stumbled at times, flubbing his French, for instance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The real sin lay in thinking that any power to help and transform came from me.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing real

"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks

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