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.

“They care about baseball here. It’s a fun environment. If people weren’t a little upset and a little, I’d say, passionate about what happened last year in the World Series, maybe they’re not real fans.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

They are very real and must be taken seriously.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

The real test of To Lam's leadership, though, will be whether he can meet the breathtakingly ambitious growth targets he has set his government, at a time when the global economic outlook is so unsettled.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

A $150 March Madness ticket would not, likely, be of real material benefit to either of you.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

When he got to the bank, he was still traveling, and breathing real hard when he got to the fire.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

real

Example Sentences

Related Words