as in factual
restricted to or based on fact
a historical novel that tells the story of Hannibal's crossing of the Alps through the eyes of a young boy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 historical
These citizens could move around the world on their Italian passports, so maybe there was some pressure from Italy’s historical allies.
—
Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
While temperatures will briefly surge ahead of this front, cold and blustery conditions will follow with temperatures 10-20 degrees below historical averages, Duff said.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
The historical State Line Bridge on the Kankakee River has attracted many snags over the decades, obstructing the flow of water.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Half a century later, Roig’s excavation of family life in a period of historical flux is now available in English in the United States for the first time.
—Colm Tóibín, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
While temperatures will briefly surge ahead of this front, cold and blustery conditions will follow with temperatures 10-20 degrees below historical averages, Duff said.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
The historical State Line Bridge on the Kankakee River has attracted many snags over the decades, obstructing the flow of water.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Half a century later, Roig’s excavation of family life in a period of historical flux is now available in English in the United States for the first time.
—Colm Tóibín, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
Adjective
-
Over the past year, this FCC has attacked the media as part of a years-long campaign by this Administration and its allies to discredit factual, independent coverage while blaming the press for growing public distrust.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
-
As someone trying to protect my father hundreds of miles away, clear, factual information made all the difference.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Yes, the title of this movie is very literal.—
Charlie Harding,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
-
There’s a literal red carpet underfoot, and booths are upholstered with gold thread.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jordana Berg, the editor, who also worked on Apocalypse in the Tropics, is one of the most talented editors in the documentary world.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
-
There are documentary film premieres with Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, Los Lobos.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
How to Spot the Next One Before sharing a story that sounds too absurd to be true, check the source page.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
-
That’s particularly true in the world of elite prep schools, which sometimes cost nearly $100,000 per year and often give athletic aid.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Significant experiment The effort is part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a nonfictional experiment with detectors that will be immersed in huge baths of cryogenic liquid argon, which is going the opposite direction — down.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But what was more interesting to me are those who aren’t fantasizing about being in a fictional world, but who are fantasizing about being a different reader, in a more secure nonfictional world.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
