Synonyms of literalism

literalism

noun

ˈli-t(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

as in realism

realistic depiction in art and literature

if audiences ever got the literalism they claim they want in movies, they'd be fast asleep by the second reel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• realism
• naturalism
• verisimilitude
• representationalism
• authenticity
• verismo
• photo-realism
• grittiness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of literalism

In fact, the allegory travels more easily once it is freed from literalism. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

But if Judd’s literalism and Caro’s illusionism represent the extreme and irreconcilable ends of the artistic spectrum during the ’60s and ’70s, Bove’s work integrates and combines these apparent artistic antipodes with a contemporary twist. — Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

The larger point here is that the new justice and the governor are strong advocates of literalism and originalism — legal doctrines holding that constitutions and laws should be read precisely as the authors wrote and understood them. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026

Eschewing dull literalism, the bold illustrations lend imaginative flair to the warm, lived-in look of Pye’s production design. — David Benedict, Variety, 30 Nov. 2025

Video

Literally

A word that (literally) drives people nuts