nonliteral

Definition of nonliteralnext

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
  • Interspersed among them were the visitors staying at the piazzetta’s alberghi in town, here for a spritz or Negroni; or the Instagrammers with Airbnbs in nearby Parragi, taking selfies at the outdoor restaurant, La Terraza—their ultimate goal after hiking to the summit of this veritable Olympus.
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Spicy Lamb-Miso-Cumin Ramen is killer, Kani Tantanmen will please snow-crab lovers and A5 Wagyu aburasoba (brothless ramen) is a veritable buffet of rare steak.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The European Union agreed Thursday to list Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization over Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests, the bloc's top diplomat said, in a largely symbolic move that adds to international pressure on the Islamic Republic.
    SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Fremont has been central to Tesla’s US operations, making the change a symbolic break from the company’s earlier focus on high-end electric vehicles.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe this skin-crawler is a creepy, allegorical drama about delusional paranoia.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In Baraka’s play, Clay and Lula serve as allegorical representations of Black assimilation and white supremacy, respectively.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nonliteral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliteral. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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