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
Wu hasn’t worked with his source material in a literal way; rather, Rauschenberg’s collages have informed his approach to the collection, which is built around classic American style.
—
Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Sunscreen’s skin protection is a literal lifesaver for humans, but the same can’t be said for its effects on coral.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
This allows Carnival to crush leftovers and pulverize it into literal fish food that can be dumped into the sea.
—John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Vogue Runway, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Sunscreen’s skin protection is a literal lifesaver for humans, but the same can’t be said for its effects on coral.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025
This allows Carnival to crush leftovers and pulverize it into literal fish food that can be dumped into the sea.
—John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
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Experience360 includes the museum’s popular holograms of survivors, immersive 360-degree films, as well as historical photographs and artifacts.—
Kelly Haramis,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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In northern Taipei, the Taiwanese capital, the island's National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine is a reminder of these clashing historical narratives.—
Jan Camenzind Broomby,
NPR,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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OpenAI also says there is a 45 percent to 65 percent reduction in factual errors over GPT-4, depending on the setting, as well as substantial gains in handling medical and coding tasks on industry-standard benchmarks.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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In the ruling, Southwick emphasized that while presidents enjoy wide discretion under the AEA, the courts retain authority to interpret the statute’s key terms and decide whether the factual findings fit within them.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Sep. 2025
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Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Betty Ann Adam, one of the documentary subjects, came on board as executive producer.—
Jennie Punter,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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As part of his reconstruction over the last 5 years, Rose rebuilt the physical sets in 3D and then worked out the camera moves to fit with the documentary evidence, script, extensive notes from Welles and the studio, along with set photos, interviews and archive materials.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Recently, this sacrament has garnered nonfictional attention.—
Timothy Gabrielli,
The Conversation,
25 Aug. 2025
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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 9 Sep. 2025.
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