historical

adjective

hi-ˈstȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce historical (audio)
Definition of historicalnext
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

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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 In the world of personal finance, many of the lessons we're taught are touted as historical. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 The readings are stitched together with rare archival footage, photographs, and historical documents. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 These young Indians are not saddled with the historical baggage of ties to conventional opposition parties. — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Previous customs entries may offer useful guidance, but historical treatment should not substitute for reviewing current requirements. — Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
  1. factual
  2. literal
  3. documentary
  4. true
  5. nonfictional
Adjective
  • Despite those circumstances, Yusuf continued dispensing oxycodone to Llerena, according to the factual proffer.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In factual, Frow has welcomed big names to the network like Monty Python star Michael Palin, who has journeyed to North Korea and the Philippines for documentary series.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Rather than doing a literal adaptation, the creators kept the book’s DNA and tweaked the ideas of evil, temptation and power with a contemporary twist.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Edebiri’s look brings to mind musician Bjork’s quite literal interpretation of a swan dress at the 2001 Academy Awards; an outfit cemented in pop culture history as one of the red carpet’s most referenced, albeit campy, moments.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of literal
Adjective
  • However, cinematographers always need time and encouragement to get inventive with commonplace tools, especially in the documentary world where Hutchens does so much work.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Doc Square gave out two new prizes at its documentary work-in-progress showcase.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of documentary
Adjective
  • An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The counter-argument that these groups already get the same knowledge from Iran, which gets it from China, Russia, and North Korea, is largely true.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • In Aaron Sorkin’s new thriller, the fictional Haugen — who, like her nonfictional counterpart, leaks thousands of documents to Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz — habitually dons the accessories.
    — Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In a world where true-crime shows of both the fictional and nonfictional variety run rampant on our screens, that’s probably not a bad corporate strategy.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonfictional

Browse Nearby Words

historic
historical
histories
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Cite this Entry

“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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