literally

Definition of literallynext
as in accurately
in a literal, true, or accurate way She is not one for hyperbole—all of her warnings should be taken literally. The employees took the CEO's remarks literally and rightfully worried about the future health of the company.

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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 literally Quite literally worshipped by some extreme members of society. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 My life literally changed when Lululemon’s License to Train collection dropped in 2019. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 Iran gets all of the benefits, literally billions and billions of dollars. NBC news, 21 June 2026 At the core of this collection, though, is the heartfelt search for a place to call home, both literally and metaphorically. Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for literally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literally
Adverb
  • While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, historians say one of the most overlooked chapters of the Revolutionary War is Florida's role, or more accurately, its decision not to join the fight for independence.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Consider how to keep your system running 24/7, securely and accurately.
    Aaron Rallo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adverb
  • However, the records do not identify Swift or Kelce and do not reveal if the event is directly connected to the couple.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Add chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks directly onto the hot coals.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Literally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literally. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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