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

Hot Docs, the world-class documentary film festival in Toronto, has announced some major personnel moves – elevating Diana Sanchez to president and bringing in Mara Gourd-Mercado to succeed Sanchez as executive director. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 After her mother’s death in 2024, Coppola worked through the footage to finish the documentary Eleanor started during the pandemic. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Gary Lineker is the latest high-profile name to get the documentary treatment — with a series charting his life launching on Amazon Prime next year, The Athletic can reveal. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 That puts pressure on documentary filmmakers, especially those who focus on the natural world, to craft imagery that does more than look glossy or large-scale enough for a screensaver. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for documentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for documentary

Noun

Either way, the age of the football docudrama looks here to stay.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Still, there’s no way to know if this docudrama will actually reveal what happened between the two women or if Earle will want to keep that close to her vest.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 30 July 2026

Definition of docudrama

Adjective

Bonesho said this latest interpretation doesn’t lessen the artifact’s historical importance.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
In addition to the historical displays and remembrances, Bennett said, there will be music courtesy of local band Emerald City and games and activities for children.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of historical

Noun

The Grand Highlander has the roomiest third row of the three family SUVs and the Telluride is the best in terms of cabin quality, standard tech and features.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Since this is an Android Drop rather than a Pixel Drop, these features are coming to a wider range of devices.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of feature

Adjective

The theory, which has no factual basis, underscored how such events can fan mistrust along national lines in the region.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Florida TaxWatch, an organization known for keeping a sharp eye on overspending, has a new website that breaks down the fiscal impact of Amendment 3 in ways that are fair and factual — unlike Ingoglia’s fictional claims.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of factual

Noun

The film spawned the sequels Ocean’s 12 in 2004 and 2007’s Ocean’s 13, in which both of them reprised their roles.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Joie de Vivre is produced by MeMo Films, the production company co-founded in 2010 by entrepreneur and fashion designer Gabriele Moratti and distributor and film producer Francesco Melzi d’Eril.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of film

Adjective

This is what gives the film its experiential sincerity — the lived perspective of its Ukrainian crew leaving a nonfictional trace across every level of the fiction, something Stever handles with unusual reverence.

— Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of nonfictional

Noun

Additional bonus features include a behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of the film.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 July 2026
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

Definition of featurette

Adjective

Playing the helpful citizen, Martinez drove his literal truckload of ALPR bits directly to the Sheriff’s department, where he was promptly taken into custody.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Something at home could be bothering you more than you’d like to admit, perhaps a tense family dynamic or the fact that your apartment is a literal mess.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of literal

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“Documentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/documentary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of documentary

noun

adjective

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