BOOKISH Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

bookish

adjective

ˈbu̇-kish

Definition of bookish next

as in literary

suggestive of the vocabulary used in books "fealty" is a bookish synonym for "loyalty"

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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 bookish The contrast between the bookish judge, lauded during his confirmation for his reverence of legal precedents, and the agitated, outspoken figure of recent years was especially noticeable to old friends and supporters. —

Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 This one-syllable name, inspired by The Raven poet, could be a match for parents seeking a bookish name or one with a soft-gothic feel. —

Anna Earl, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 Those making more bookish and insular styles of the genre, like the Magnetic Fields and Belle and Sebastian, weren’t being worshipped as critical darlings; in some cases their records hadn’t made it to America yet. —

David Glickman, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026 What bookish person doesn’t want a vicarious, insider’s look at The New Yorker? —

The Know, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bookish

literary

Adjective

Its long-term goal is to create a market for film rights to adaptations of literary works from the region, thereby strengthening cooperation between the film and book industries.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 May 2026
All of this is thrilling news for the literary laborer.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026