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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Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
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The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
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In Nepal, Meti is a vernacular social category for people assigned male at birth who live and present in feminine ways.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Frequently informal and poorly regulated, both virgin and recycled polyester supply chains can expose workers to severe human-rights risks, including harassment, violence and abuse.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
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Some of her success with collaborators seems to have come down to luck and an eye for talent, as in the case of the still-up-and-coming Elswit and Oppewall, who served as her informal producers during filming.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliterary. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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