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
Think Batman set in the slums of Georgian London; Maximus is a literal Duke by day and vigilante by night, obsessed with avenging the death of his parents.
—
American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Despite the malaise and (literal) pearl clutching in the luxury-goods market, timepieces have proved a bit stickier; Chase Travel reports year-over-year increases in its American customers spending on high-end watches in France (+13%) and in Switzerland (+18%) between 2023 and 2024.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Eh-Toop 3-Tier Record Player Stand Designed with your vinyls in mind, this three-tier table is a literal turntable.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
As other symbols of wokeness fall away — including PC Principal now bringing the literal Jesus Christ into their school, and re-dubbing himself Power Christian Principal — Cartman goes through an existential crisis.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Despite the malaise and (literal) pearl clutching in the luxury-goods market, timepieces have proved a bit stickier; Chase Travel reports year-over-year increases in its American customers spending on high-end watches in France (+13%) and in Switzerland (+18%) between 2023 and 2024.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Eh-Toop 3-Tier Record Player Stand Designed with your vinyls in mind, this three-tier table is a literal turntable.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
As other symbols of wokeness fall away — including PC Principal now bringing the literal Jesus Christ into their school, and re-dubbing himself Power Christian Principal — Cartman goes through an existential crisis.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 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
Video
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 3 Aug. 2025.
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