as in intelligentsia
intellectuals considered as a social class
Boston's 19th-century literati often referred to their city as "the Athens of America"
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Recent Examples of literati
This social satire of snobby London literati is about authors, their lovers and muses, and the class dynamics that attract and repel them.
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James Folta, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
While the other literati tackled heavy topics, Plimpton’s engaging, conversational prose goofed around on the fringes of pro sports.
—Stephen Siff, The Conversation, 26 Nov. 2025
While the Oscar-winning actor has a more low-key approach to the celebrity book club — her club operates sans fancy stickers, collaborations with booksellers, etc. — her mission reflects those of her peers in the A-list literati.
—Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
The depictions of the New York literati scene, with its backbiting and wary camaraderie, are effective but all too brief.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literati
James Folta, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
While the other literati tackled heavy topics, Plimpton’s engaging, conversational prose goofed around on the fringes of pro sports.
—Stephen Siff, The Conversation, 26 Nov. 2025
While the Oscar-winning actor has a more low-key approach to the celebrity book club — her club operates sans fancy stickers, collaborations with booksellers, etc. — her mission reflects those of her peers in the A-list literati.
—Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
The depictions of the New York literati scene, with its backbiting and wary camaraderie, are effective but all too brief.
—Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literati
Cite this Entry
“Literati.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literati. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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