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 The dramatic recipe involves equal parts literary ambition, risk-taking, and chutzpah, with a dash of substance abuse, cooked on the high heat of adolescent lust that brings Tony to Provincetown in pursuit of a schoolmate named Nancy (Emilia Jones). — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 His comedy is more measured and literary than others on this list, but bestselling author and New Yorker/NPR humorist David Sedaris’ live shows always pack ‘em in. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 Ellis was the enfant terrible of the ’80s and ’90s literary scene, earning a following with novels about disaffected teens and 20-somethings mixed up in drugs, ennui, and gang rapes. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 James Patterson is a literary juggernaut who has written or cowritten more than 200 books; his latest, DELUSIONAL, comes out this month. — New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for literary

Adjective

Living with the uncertainty about what the future might hold was exciting, overwhelming, an intellectual challenge as well as an emotional one.

— Annie Karni, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Her accomplishments reflect the creativity, intellectual curiosity, and ambition that define Rutgers graduates, and her connection to New Jersey makes this recognition especially meaningful.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of intellectual

Adjective

Storer was a student at Concordia University Irvine and a member of the university’s NCAA Division II swim team during the 2024 to 2025 academic school year, according to the team’s roster.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
According to his campaign website, his priorities include academic excellence, safe and secure schools, improving teacher pay and retention, career readiness and budget transparency.

— Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of academic

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 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of literary

adjective

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