Synonyms for "real"

10 kid-friendly synonyms for real, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "real" mean?

The word real is an adjective that means: actually true, not fake or pretend.

Example: "That is a real ring."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for real

Younger kids can use these in place of "real":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for real

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for real

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of real (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of real:

See the full real antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for real

What is a good synonym for real in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try true. For older students, "genuine" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does real have?
We list 10 grade-appropriate synonyms for real across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is real a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, real is used as an adjective.

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