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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of literal
The cushioned shoes are plantar fasciitis-friendly, work well for wide feet, and go the literal distance.
—
Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than perform a literal translation of the individual words, the iPhone listens to complete phrases and whole sentences.
—PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Interpreting fall 2025 runways’ animal print trend on a more literal level, Tyla also went with Pandora Talisman collection picks like the Swallow Medallion Charm and Lion Medallion Charm, representative of hope and bravery, respectively.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
He’s joined by another (somewhat literal) murderers’ row of actors including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, and Thomas Haden Church.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Rather than perform a literal translation of the individual words, the iPhone listens to complete phrases and whole sentences.
—PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Interpreting fall 2025 runways’ animal print trend on a more literal level, Tyla also went with Pandora Talisman collection picks like the Swallow Medallion Charm and Lion Medallion Charm, representative of hope and bravery, respectively.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
He’s joined by another (somewhat literal) murderers’ row of actors including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, and Thomas Haden Church.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
Backdropped against empty space, absent any signifying detail or decoration, Mockrin’s once historical figures and details exist only in the here and now.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Many of these local gems are cozy relics that house unique pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia, hold a coveted aesthetic or have historical significance.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Johnson, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter who covered the fire, served as a consultant on the film to ensure factual accuracy.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.—
Joyce Marter,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Like many Stephen King stories, the truest horrors are the ones that exist in reality.—
James Grebey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fansville will also produce its own documentary-style social series to share behind-the-scenes stories of past winners of the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, a 17-year long tradition in college football.—
Kristi Dosh,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Oscar Martinez of The Office insists to the documentary camera crew on the hunt for what became of the Dunder-Mifflin crew 12 years after the long-running program went off the air.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Recently, this sacrament has garnered nonfictional attention.—
Timothy Gabrielli,
The Conversation,
25 Aug. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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