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 story was also the subject of the 2013 SXSW documentary The Great Hip Hop Hoax. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Marcus Rashford looks likely to return after spending last season on loan at Barcelona, and the 2026-27 campaign is also being filmed by Amazon Prime for its latest All or Nothing documentary, which will be released in Autumn 2027. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The documentary segment will feature interviews with Bob Iger and Miral's chairman, potentially showcasing new concept art and offering insights into this ambitious venture. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Bardin has been with the production company, a powerhouse in the documentary scene, since its founding in 2019 and previously served as head of documentary and unscripted. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for documentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for documentary

Noun

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
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

Definition of docudrama

Adjective

The study said the object, which left a greenish discoloration on her palate, was unlikely to be a coin, as the proportions of copper to gold did not correspond to those found in historical alloys.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of historical

Noun

Japan has selected Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s luminously cerebral French-language feature All of a Sudden as its submission for the best international feature category at the 99th Academy Awards.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest feature, All Of A Sudden, has been selected as Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of feature

Adjective

Only factual errors can be corrected, not subjective decisions.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Dated over 2,000 years ago, these manuscripts shatter claims that Jewish connection to the land is a modern invention, offering a factual foundation for peace and reconciliation.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of factual

Noun

Whenever the veteran coach looked at game film, Scott always seemed to be there making a big throw or run.

— Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 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

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“Documentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/documentary. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of documentary

noun

adjective

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