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Synonyms

in reality

Idioms  

  1. Actually, in fact, as in He may seem slow to you, but in reality he's very intelligent. [Second half of 1600s]

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.

"Of course, in reality there is hardly any loading happening at the moment," he noted.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“I know I said that but in reality it was for me,” Campo said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

At the time, Bravo was forging a new identity in reality programming after years as a niche cable network that aired highbrow art films, opera and ballet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

The announcement still needs to be tested in reality, and it remains unclear how long this pause will hold, or whether it reflects genuine movement towards negotiations.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Likewise, out on Lake St. Clair, my grandfather has been looking out for the Purple Gang, when in reality the monster is right next to him, at the wheel of the car.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.