literary

adjective

ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce literary (audio)
Definition of literarynext
as in learned
suggestive of the vocabulary used in books the novel's dialogue is a little too literary in flavor to be entirely convincing

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 literary With the work still in copyright, Christie’s literary estate is managed by her great-grandson, James Prichard, CEO of Agatha Christie Limited. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Unlike some literary adaptations, the film also didn’t require audiences to know much of anything about Malerman’s source novel or Savage’s previous work as a horror director. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026 The texts, in French and English, originate from three late literary sources—Roland Barthes, Aimé Césaire, and George Orwell. — Amy Verner, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026 According to Sapiro, the Academy is looking for ambitious, influential literature that has spawned a new literary movement. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literary
  1. intellectual
  2. academic
  3. bookish
  4. scholastic
  5. erudite
Adjective
  • There is an intellectual curiosity and a real competitiveness.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Nerdy, overweight, and hyper-intellectual, Oscar never seems to fit in with his peers and is unlucky in love.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of intellectual
Adjective
  • The institute expects to add 16 subspecialty providers, expand clinical trial opportunities and house outpatient therapy, rehabilitation and neuro infusion services, along with Baptist Health’s first academic lecture theater.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Corduroy, apparently, could outfit the full range of academic achievement.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of academic
Adjective
  • Celebrities were feeling bookish at Sunday’s Valentino show, as Alessandro Michele’s latest fashion week guest list arrived at the library.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In the midst of the festivities, among a crowd of bookish faculty and graduate students, Annie and Wendy convinced an overheated newspaper photographer who’d been sent to cover the event to abandon his turtleneck.
    — Robert P. Baird, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of bookish
Adjective
  • The district boasts 15 elementary schools — among them a regional gifted center, one scholastic academy and two Montessori schools.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The award honors media professionals and groups making significant contributions to scholastic journalism.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of scholastic
Adjective
  • Among them was Maria Edgeworth, an erudite woman who helped shape how the emerging field of economics reached the wider world.
    — Julia R. Cartwright, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In depicting the highs and lows of a fictional presidential administration — that of erudite, strong-willed Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) — Aaron Sorkin’s series pulled in millions of viewers and plenty of awards, including 26 Primetime Emmys.
    — Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of erudite

Browse Nearby Words

literalness
literary
literate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literary. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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