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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of literal
The restaurant's finances have activated a (literal) ticking clock, as Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) can't keep pouring money into The Bear forever.
—
Linda Holmes, NPR, 26 June 2025
The attention has paid off in a literal sense, too.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 19 June 2025
Burks discovered an interest in medicine through literal accident.
—Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Zombies confront us with death, our universal, ultimate fear, in a very literal and visceral way.
—James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Linda Holmes, NPR, 26 June 2025
The attention has paid off in a literal sense, too.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 19 June 2025
Burks discovered an interest in medicine through literal accident.
—Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Zombies confront us with death, our universal, ultimate fear, in a very literal and visceral way.
—James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
Northern New York also tied historical records, with Plattsburgh hitting 101 degrees Fahrenheit the day prior.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Williams said that even though the Holocaust has been the subject of intense historical interest over the years, many parts of that history, particularly in Eastern Europe, remain unexplored or unknown.—
Tom Dreisbach,
NPR,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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But the Court of Appeals ruling said a hearing to present evidence is not always required before issuing a preliminary injunction and if there are no factual disputes.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
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With 74 percent of respondents expressing uncertainty about at least one claim's veracity, the findings highlight the challenge facing voters where shared factual understanding appears increasingly fragmented.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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What’s the difference between something being emotionally true and factually true, and what should be valued more?—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
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In true underworld fashion, García tried to shield himself from the fallout.—
Gina Montaner,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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On June 26, Kino Lorber introduced the trailer to Shari & Lamb Chop, a documentary portrait of trailblazing children’s entertainer Shari Lewis and her beloved sock puppet Lamb Chop.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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See below for a complete list of the documentary Emmy winners.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
26 June 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 10 Jul. 2025.
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