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.
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Recent Examples of literally
Quite literally everybody, even the heavy-Nebraska crowd in Oklahoma City, was in disbelief, but the party was on for the red after shock and relief quickly turned into celebration.
—
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
The Waddle trade is quite literally unprecedented in Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s career.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
But that unseasonable heat was quickly interrupted by a strong cold front that flipped Central Texas temperatures from summer swelter into winter chill literally overnight.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literally
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
The Waddle trade is quite literally unprecedented in Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s career.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
But that unseasonable heat was quickly interrupted by a strong cold front that flipped Central Texas temperatures from summer swelter into winter chill literally overnight.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for literally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literally
Adverb
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Putin said at the annual Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs that the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East are difficult to accurately predict.—
Rebecca Shabad,
NBC news,
26 Mar. 2026
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This story was updated to accurately reflect the clerk's role on the Marion County Election Board.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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An additional five one-bedroom tents are situated directly on the beach.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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The bill is now being considered on the Senate floor and would still allow buyers to purchase pets directly from breeders or adopt them from rescues and shelters.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literally. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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