literal

adjective

ˈli-t(ə-)rəl How to pronounce literal (audio)
Definition of literalnext
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact a literal account of the explorer's adventures is actually a lot less interesting than his own exaggerated stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of literal Then there’s founders like Archie Scott III taking on literal roadblocks. — Alexandra York, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 That representation is literal. — Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 Gaga even began wielding a literal disco stick in live performances. — Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 The importance of sound and reclaiming one’s voice in a toxic relationship takes more of a literal shape when the vacationing pair overhears a neighboring couple violently fighting in the villa below them. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
  1. historical
  2. factual
  3. true
  4. documentary
Adjective
  • Easter 2025 happens to fall on a day with an unusual number of historical tragedies and ironies.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The destinations also had to offer scenic views, tasty, historical sights and plenty of activities, the publication said.
    — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • Felonious Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has launched another appeal of her conviction and sentence, claiming that a three-judge panel that shot down her first appeal in February was confused on one point, illogical on another, and made factual mistakes in hearing her case.
    — Mercury News, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek. fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    — The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • When each channel is evaluated independently, the true value of awareness campaigns becomes invisible.
    — Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of true
Adjective
  • But Matheson pointed out that there was a lack of documentary evidence that that was the rationale for the purchase.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The legislation would require people to show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or a birth certificate, when registering to vote.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of documentary

Browse Nearby Words

literacy
literal
literalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literal. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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