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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of literal
That’s literal travel, like an artist going to Europe, but also time travel, sort of an Afrofuturist idea of the cosmic traveler.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
29 June 2026
The scene is a Pyrrhic victory, however, because its self-transcending metaphorical power only emphasizes the blandly literal hour and a half that came before.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The centerpiece of the property is the Mammoth Mine, a dormant gold operation that hauled up close to a literal ton of bullion in its day — 31,500 ounces, according to National Land Realty, which is listing the site.
—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for literal
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
29 June 2026
The scene is a Pyrrhic victory, however, because its self-transcending metaphorical power only emphasizes the blandly literal hour and a half that came before.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
The centerpiece of the property is the Mammoth Mine, a dormant gold operation that hauled up close to a literal ton of bullion in its day — 31,500 ounces, according to National Land Realty, which is listing the site.
—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
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The calendar includes America's Block Party events, festivals, historical programs, exhibits and community gatherings scheduled across the country.
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This was a historical diagnosis for deaths attributed to old age in the early 1900s.
Adjective
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The prior Minnesota Anti-SLAPP law required that the court make certain pre-trial factual findings which was held to violate the right to a jury trial.
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Currently in pre-production and without a sales agent, the project carries strong environmental timeliness and a genuinely global geographic canvas that should attract factual commissioners.
Adjective
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From viral Aldi Finds to tried-and-true products shoppers love to tell their friends about, people love the thrill of discovering something new here.
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That rugged access is part of the appeal for buyers seeking a true escape rather than a weekend cabin with neighbors in sight.
Adjective
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That judge later barred the Secretary of Defense from requiring documentary proof of citizenship when military personnel register to vote or request ballots.
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Paul Dugdale directed, with documentary segments from Farah X, and Live Nation Studios produced.
Adjective
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Pee-Wee as Himself, the 2025 Emmy award winner for best documentary or nonfictional special, is also among the nominees.
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That delirious excess befits the essence of Lapid’s method, which is a fusion of fiction with indigestibly and irreducibly nonfictional elements.
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Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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