as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
slang words are usually considered nonliterary
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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
René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonliterary
Adjective
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Spaar’s colloquial flippancies only reinforces her fervency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
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The women’s game’s limited coverage meant his other honours with Umea — reaching two more UEFA Cup finals and five domestic trophies — were appreciated on a more colloquial level.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The sound of motorbikes and cars fade as birds take over with their harmonies all around Nai Lert’s Thai vernacular style all-teak vacation home, built in 1915.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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This pattern blends the storytelling rhythm of the Persian mas̄navī (narrative poem written in rhyming couplets) with vernacular Hindi verse forms.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
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Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliterary. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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