NONLITERARY Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

nonliterary

adjective

ˌnän-ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē

Definition of nonliterary

as in colloquial

used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing slang words are usually considered nonliterary

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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 nonliterary Most of the people on this list worked nonliterary jobs before becoming a successful writer. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonliterary

Adjective

Each book had anywhere from 20 to 50, even 75, contributors, who wrote in a warm, colloquial style.

— Jennifer Rich, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
That’s the colloquial name for the Salkin House, an 1,100-square-foot dwelling perched on a hillside lot, built for violist Jules Salkin in 1948 by John Lautner, the famed midcentury modern architect.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of colloquial

Adjective

The vernacular poets call it hearpe or harpa, among other names; cithara in Latin.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
For me, a poster, in a Native context, is something that communicates a message through typography, visual language or vernacular language, and is intended to be publicly shown or expressed.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of vernacular

Adjective

The informal meetup was intended as a way to convey the chiefs’ collective wisdom and experience—and to offer, in miniature, a nuts-and-bolts version of the transition of executive power that is a hallmark of American democracy.

— Chris Whipple, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
That has made neighborhood businesses increasingly important as informal galleries, giving artists a place to reach customers, sell their work and build recognition.

— J.M. Banks November 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of informal

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nonliteral

nonliterary

nonliterate

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“Nonliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliterary. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonliterary

adjective

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