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
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
-
Backdropped against empty space, absent any signifying detail or decoration, Mockrin’s once historical figures and details exist only in the here and now.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Many of these local gems are cozy relics that house unique pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia, hold a coveted aesthetic or have historical significance.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Johnson, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter who covered the fire, served as a consultant on the film to ensure factual accuracy.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.—
Joyce Marter,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Like many Stephen King stories, the truest horrors are the ones that exist in reality.—
James Grebey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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 15 Sep. 2025.
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