as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
a literal account of the explorer's adventures is actually a lot less interesting than his own exaggerated stories
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Recent Examples of literal
Season 2 is not without enjoyable intrigue, yet never proves worth the risk of opening a closed (literal) book.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
Zash’s earth, sea, undergrowth, and caviar and truffle tasting menus are more than satisfying in both the literal and artistic sense.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
According to Paul, these more literal natural wall coverings align with the push toward craftsmanship and slow design.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026
This is a literal matter of life or death for many.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literal
Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
Zash’s earth, sea, undergrowth, and caviar and truffle tasting menus are more than satisfying in both the literal and artistic sense.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
According to Paul, these more literal natural wall coverings align with the push toward craftsmanship and slow design.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026
This is a literal matter of life or death for many.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
One film has dominated much of the season and shattered records, while the other carries an undercurrent of passion and historical weight that could resonate on a preferential Oscar ballot.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Others have expressed concern about nationalist rhetoric and disputes over historical memory, particularly regarding Hungary’s role in the Holocaust.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And there are those who misconstrue a factual anecdote for boastfulness.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Suspicions led to his arrest in Mendoza in 1960 despite his complete dissemblance, lack of education, long presence in the country, age gaps and missing factual connections that could tie him to Bormann.—
Solly Boussidan,
FOXNews.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Nearly 70% of American adults polled recently said that the central promise of the American Dream — that hard work can earn a good life — is no longer true or never was.—
Fred P. Hochberg,
Boston Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
-
There’s no shortage of impressive deals in Amazon’s sale section this week, but these 15 finds from $8 are true standouts.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s what very much happened to Nev in real life, as chronicled in the documentary film.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
-
At that gala, those documentary-feature people could actually be the honorees at the gala.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Recently, this sacrament has garnered nonfictional attention.—
Timothy Gabrielli,
The Conversation,
25 Aug. 2025
Video
Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literal. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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