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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 literal
Forgoing the week’s more literal showings of design and homeware, Farresin and Trimarchi’s curatorial approach at Prada Frames has evolved over the past four years: On Forest was their first edition in 2022, an inquiry into the ecological, cultural, and philosophical significance of forests.
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
The story is rooted in chilling and realistic descriptions of slavery on a Georgia plantation, but here the famed path to freedom is a literal underground railroad.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
That inspiration became literal a couple of years back.
—Marie Bostwick, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The inclusion of Greenland in this narrative may not be literal—but its symbolic presence lingers.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
The story is rooted in chilling and realistic descriptions of slavery on a Georgia plantation, but here the famed path to freedom is a literal underground railroad.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
That inspiration became literal a couple of years back.
—Marie Bostwick, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The inclusion of Greenland in this narrative may not be literal—but its symbolic presence lingers.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
Easter 2025 happens to fall on a day with an unusual number of historical tragedies and ironies.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
This historical information becomes increasingly valuable during organizational transformations, providing the stability and context needed to manage change effectively.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This article has been updated with additional information and remarks. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.—
Taazima Kala,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But Matheson pointed out that there was a lack of documentary evidence that that was the rationale for the purchase.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The legislation would require people to show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or a birth certificate, when registering to vote.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2025
Video
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 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share