literalism
noun
lit·er·al·ism
ˈli-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: adherence to the explicit substance of an idea or expression
biblical literalism
2
: fidelity to observable fact : realism
Examples of literalism in a Sentence
if audiences ever got the literalism they claim they want in movies, they'd be fast asleep by the second reel
Recent Examples on the Web
The record marks the point where the singer’s disco purism tips over into outright literalism.
—
Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
In fact, the allegory travels more easily once it is freed from literalism.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
But if Judd’s literalism and Caro’s illusionism represent the extreme and irreconcilable ends of the artistic spectrum during the ’60s and ’70s, Bove’s work integrates and combines these apparent artistic antipodes with a contemporary twist.
—Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
The larger point here is that the new justice and the governor are strong advocates of literalism and originalism — legal doctrines holding that constitutions and laws should be read precisely as the authors wrote and understood them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
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Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
In fact, the allegory travels more easily once it is freed from literalism.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
But if Judd’s literalism and Caro’s illusionism represent the extreme and irreconcilable ends of the artistic spectrum during the ’60s and ’70s, Bove’s work integrates and combines these apparent artistic antipodes with a contemporary twist.
—Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
The larger point here is that the new justice and the governor are strong advocates of literalism and originalism — legal doctrines holding that constitutions and laws should be read precisely as the authors wrote and understood them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literalism
Video
Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literalism. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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