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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of literalism
Or rather, their effect is rather blunted: The literalism of the screen doesn’t serve Taffeta’s vision, let alone Mason’s, quite as well as the stage likely did.
—
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 23 June 2025
But, in its literalism, the essay struggles to transcend the form.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
This isn’t the kind of puzzle thriller in which all the elements click into place with a thudding literalism that compliments an attentive eye.
—Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
For decades the insistence on the truth value of rap lyrics was of paramount importance; now, that has run headlong into the literalism of law enforcement interpretation.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for literalism
Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 23 June 2025
But, in its literalism, the essay struggles to transcend the form.
—Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
This isn’t the kind of puzzle thriller in which all the elements click into place with a thudding literalism that compliments an attentive eye.
—Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
For decades the insistence on the truth value of rap lyrics was of paramount importance; now, that has run headlong into the literalism of law enforcement interpretation.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for literalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literalism
Noun
-
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film is described as an urban crime drama with aspects of social realism.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
-
In both cases, dispatchers heard what sounded like gunshots in the background of the calls — lending a disturbing realism.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Needless to say, Zhao’s signature naturalism serves Agnes well.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Video
Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literalism. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share