LITERARY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

literary

adjective

ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē

Definition of literary

as in learned

suggestive of the vocabulary used in books the novel's dialogue is a little too literary in flavor to be entirely convincing

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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 literary One of the most unexpectedly fun elements of the show is its London literary world backdrop, including a jaunt to the Frankfurt Book Fair. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026 Punk icon Patti Smith is back in Chicago for literary award and Riot Fest. — Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Inspired by Chelsea’s rich artistic, literary, and musical heritage, the interiors layer texture, color, and history with remarkable restraint. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for literary

Adjective

The working-out of that vision, by way of experience that arises from her sudden change of circumstances, is the movie’s emotional and intellectual heart, its main line, abstract in form but altogether concrete in the decisions that result.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
The book is notable for its intellectual depth and evocative descriptions of finding and entering the many lakes, as well as the vivid sensory impressions of swimming in each different location.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of intellectual

Adjective

Its Learning Commons integration allows teachers to build resources around local academic standards and the learning progressions beneath them.

— Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
But the originality of Arday’s dissertation and his other academic work was also coming under scrutiny, leading to multiple allegations of plagiarism.

— Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of academic

Adjective

Over the years, The Book Rack has offered thousands of books across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, along with candles, notebooks, bookish gifts and more than 100 puzzles.

— Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Sophie Pearce is a Welsh travel blogger who has visited Egypt, India and New Zealand on a quest to see magical, historic and bookish destinations.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of bookish

Adjective

Like Dante, Nick Tosches was an undaunted character whose tongue-twisting prose was an iconoclastic mash-up of realism and intricate, erudite lyricism.

— A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
Prolific author and erudite British import David Thomson has been writing about film for more than six decades.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Definition of erudite

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literalness

literary

literate

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“Literary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literary. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of literary

adjective

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