nonliterary

adjective

ˌnän-ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce nonliterary (audio)
Definition of nonliterarynext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing slang words are usually considered nonliterary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. colloquial
  2. vernacular
  3. informal
Adjective
  • Silent sleep apnea is a colloquial term for the form of the condition that occurs without the loud, disruptive snoring most people associate with it.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Wilson’s translation has come under fire for her decision to render Homeric Greek into a direct, colloquial English.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of colloquial
Adjective
  • Screenplay credits are shared by Damodaran, Joses Imona, and Jennifer Litau, with Litau also handling Tok Pisin and vernacular-language translation duties.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Compiled in 1964 by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, this four-LP, 83-track box set was intended as an accessible survey of the roots and branches of American vernacular music.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • His experience impelled him to join an informal yet determined community of researchers, doctors, and patients pushing for extra studies to help patients and doctors find the right dosage for an array of cancer drugs.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Judge Roach reminded both sides that he was not bound by any informal agreement.
    — CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

nonliteral
nonliterary
nonliterate
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Cite this Entry

“Nonliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonliterary. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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