nonliteral

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 nonliteral In addition, neurodivergent women, such as those with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, may be excluded from whisper networks because information is often shared using indirect or nonliteral language. Carrie Ann Johnson, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2023 Thirsty, even, in its most nonliteral meaning. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2021 The New York Times is concerned about its subscribers’ intolerance for opposing views, not about nonliteral terminology about opposing pages. Nicholas Clairmont, Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonliteral
Adjective
  • Zvejnieki remained untouched for more than 4,000 years, a veritable treasure trove of the Stone Age waiting to be discovered.
    Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Soon after the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, a veritable flood of misinformation followed—often in the guise of unfounded conspiracy theories featuring prominently on social media.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, as with West Germany’s previous World Cup triumph, there was a symbolic defeat.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The milestone marks a symbolic win for the blue-chip index, highlighting the market’s resilience despite tariff concerns and signs of weakness in the economy.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When 1984 was published in 1949, the novel was seen as an allegorical take on the Soviet Union.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The heavily allegorical fantasy is notable for its heavy use of philosophical and Biblical symbolism, and touches on themes common in Oshii’s other works, particularly the relationship between dreams and reality.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonliteral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliteral. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!