DOCUMENTARY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

documentary 1 of 2

noun

Definition of documentary

as in docudrama

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documentary

2 of 2

adjective

ˌdä-kyə-ˈmen-tə-rē

as in historical

restricted to or based on fact a documentary film about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 documentary

Noun

The brewery has hosted national gatherings of Black brewers, documentary screenings exploring Black beer culture, and events highlighting Kansas City’s creative community. — J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 Towards the end of the documentary, there’s a moment of victory, as New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announces a plan for universal childcare, including universal pre-k, and a pilot program for childcare for 2-year-olds. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 22 June 2026

Adjective

Víg had no prior experience composing for film, and the project – which relied heavily on documentary aesthetics and improvised performance – made for a steep learning curve. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026 Paul Dugdale directed, with documentary segments from Farah X, and Live Nation Studios produced. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for documentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for documentary

Noun

Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston, a three-part docudrama hosted by the Loki star that will premiere July 22 on the network at 9/8c and July 23 on Disney+ and Hulu.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 16 June 2026
The docudrama drew large crowds in France last year despite criticism from some secular and Catholic sources.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 June 2026

Definition of docudrama

Adjective

The calendar includes America's Block Party events, festivals, historical programs, exhibits and community gatherings scheduled across the country.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
This was a historical diagnosis for deaths attributed to old age in the early 1900s.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of historical

Adjective

Award-winning factual producer Proper Content is set to shutter amid tough market conditions.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 2 July 2026
Sotomayor, writing for the liberal justices, accused the majority of cutting the litigation short and argued that unresolved factual questions should have been returned to the lower courts.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of factual

Noun

Aside from the fictional King Kong, who first appeared in a 1933 film atop the skyscraper, others in real life legally — and illegally — climbed the famous skyscraper.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Now, a new crop of leaders has emerged, reflecting Silicon Valley’s vast influence over the film and and TV business, which has been upended by streaming and, now, artificial intelligence.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of film

Adjective

Pee-Wee as Himself, the 2025 Emmy award winner for best documentary or nonfictional special, is also among the nominees.

— Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
That delirious excess befits the essence of Lapid’s method, which is a fusion of fiction with indigestibly and irreducibly nonfictional elements.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

Definition of nonfictional

Noun

The featurette teases Zada as Haymitch, with scenes ranging from the literal sunrise on his Reaping Day to Capitol interviews to the Games itself.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026
The featurette includes Zada discussing the character, which was originated onscreen by Woody Harrelson, along with director Francis Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson and co-stars Elle Fanning, McKenna Grace, Ben Wang and Jesse Plemons.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 July 2026

Definition of featurette

Adjective

Sharks sit at the top of this literal chain reaction, integrators of everything below them in their predator role, accumulating what the system carries.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
For the Dar al Funoon, its inviting nature is communicated through form instead of literal transparency.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026

Definition of literal

Browse Nearby Words

documentaries

documentary

documentation

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“Documentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/documentary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of documentary

noun

adjective

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