unliterary

adjective

ˌən-ˈli-tə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce unliterary (audio)
Definition of unliterarynext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing poems written in a natural, unliterary voice

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 unliterary The bond between Alice and the spiky, decidedly unliterary Felix might flummox. — New York Times, 1 Sep. 2021 Both were born as writers in public libraries—hyper-bright American Jewish urban boys from unliterary backgrounds, encountering the classics on their own, without too much pre-sorting, responding with delight, imitation, amusement, and familiarity. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unliterary
  1. colloquial
  2. vernacular
  3. nonliterary
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
  • Most of the people on this list worked nonliterary jobs before becoming a successful writer.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Definition of nonliterary

Browse Nearby Words

unlit
unliterary
unlivable
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Cite this Entry

“Unliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unliterary. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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