as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
a literal account of the explorer's adventures is actually a lot less interesting than his own exaggerated stories
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Recent Examples of literal
Superman has always been an outsider — a literal alien — trying to assimilate into American culture.
—
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
After his season 4 stint in London, Goldberg (living alongside his wife and son) always has one eye over his shoulder, paranoid that the (literal) skeletons in his closet might soon spill out.
—David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One boss fight in particular should’ve been a greater challenge, but between DK and Pauline dropping literal bombs on the foe, the encounter was over in moments.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Farming is complex, Burnett says, because inventory (like livestock) has a literal lifecycle—it is born, grows, and dies.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025
After his season 4 stint in London, Goldberg (living alongside his wife and son) always has one eye over his shoulder, paranoid that the (literal) skeletons in his closet might soon spill out.
—David Wysong, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
One boss fight in particular should’ve been a greater challenge, but between DK and Pauline dropping literal bombs on the foe, the encounter was over in moments.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Farming is complex, Burnett says, because inventory (like livestock) has a literal lifecycle—it is born, grows, and dies.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
Supporters say the bill aims to protect historical monuments, not restrict peaceful protest.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
Design choices must conform to historical standards and be reviewed by multiple federal bodies, including the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
The new world order is truth to truth, answer to query, whereby factual snippets are revered and rewarded.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 July 2025
-
This was certainly true of the Mets last summer when Taylor played his way into the lineup more consistently than Harrison Bader.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
In Cincinnati, there are a slew of events, including a documentary film screening, a carnival night and a roller skating party where all wheels are welcome.—
Emily Chen-Newton,
NPR,
22 July 2025
-
And of course, Bruce Springsteen and Nas to add a little additional Tri-State perspective to this documentary portrait of Long Island’s favorite son.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
18 July 2025
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Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literal. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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