literally

Definition of literallynext
as in accurately
in a literal, true, or accurate way She is not one for hyperbole—all of her warnings should be taken literally. The employees took the CEO's remarks literally and rightfully worried about the future health of the company.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 literally Quite literally worshipped by some extreme members of society. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 My life literally changed when Lululemon’s License to Train collection dropped in 2019. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 Iran gets all of the benefits, literally billions and billions of dollars. NBC news, 21 June 2026 At the core of this collection, though, is the heartfelt search for a place to call home, both literally and metaphorically. Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for literally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literally
Adverb
  • The more detailed the data becomes, the more accurately organizations can prioritize where action will have the greatest effect.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • But evoking Season 1 also accurately forecasts a partial return to form.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2026
Adverb
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literally. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on literally

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster