NONLITERAL Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

nonliteral

adjective

Definition of nonliteral

as in veritable

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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 nonliteral Jesus, who speaks in parables, not in dicta or dogmas, provides us with a primary instance of the power of the nonliteral tale. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 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 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

In Western countries, the past decade has seen a veritable avalanche of essays and books raging at the dying of the light.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026
For the past couple of months, the Editorial Board and a veritable horde of guest columnists have been fixated on the mayor and his stance on Israel.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of veritable

Adjective

This approach also failed to deter Ukraine’s land incursions into Russia and strikes on symbolic Russian targets and Russian strategic infrastructure, let alone compel Kyiv to surrender.

— Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026
In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of symbolic

Adjective

The original series used diverse crews and allegorical storytelling to champion inclusion, collaboration and optimism — tenents that continue today.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The half-dozen allegorical sculptures gathered in the new museum—The Lions, Liberty, Progress, Work, Peace, and Justice—were commissioned for Buenos Aires’s Palace of the Argentine National Congress in 1906.

— News Desk, Artforum, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of allegorical

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nonliquid

nonliteral

nonliterary

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“Nonliteral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliteral. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonliteral

adjective

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