something that actually exists; reality; truth

Your fears have no basis in fact.

something known to exist or to have happened

Space travel is now a fact.

a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true

Scientists gather facts about plant growth.

something said to be true or supposed to have happened

The facts given by the witness are highly questionable.

Law . Often, facts. an actual or alleged event or circumstance, as distinguished from its legal effect or consequence. Compare question of fact , question of law . ?

after the fact

Law . after the commission of a crime

an accessory after the fact.

before the fact

Law . prior to the commission of a crime

an accessory before the fact.

in fact

actually; really; indeed

In fact, it was a wonder that anyone survived.

noun

fabrication , lie

noun

actuality , appearance , authenticity , basis , bottom line * , brass tacks * , case , certainty , certitude , concrete happening , dope * , evidence , experience , genuineness , gospel , gospel truth * , how it is , intelligence , law , like it is , matter * , naked truth * , palpability , permanence , scene , scripture , solidity , stability , substantiality , verity , what’s what , accomplishment , act , action , adventure , affair , being , circumstance , conception , consideration , construction , creation , data , datum , deed , entity , episode , factor , fait accompli , feature , happening , incident , information , item , manifestation , occurrence , organism , particular , performance , phenomenon , point , proceeding , specific , statistic , transaction , truism , knowledge , lore , event , reality , detail , factuality , factualness , truth , facticity , ipso facto , proof , res gestae , statistics