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
The overly literal but still strangely beautiful sequence in which the veil is lifted on that mystery is among the more successful of the many elaborate set-pieces in eclectic styles crammed into a bloated running time of two-and-three-quarter hours.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
For its latest opening, Union Square Hospitality Group is undertaking a revolution—in the most literal sense of the word.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
Not in the obvious literal sense, but by virtue of the fact that the opening minutes of the film reintroduce us to the notion of his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler), and his deep desire to reconnect with her and right his wrongs.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
With Philly fans in town, that just might be literal: the Big Easy might have to count their Romeo catchers when big game crowds go home.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
For its latest opening, Union Square Hospitality Group is undertaking a revolution—in the most literal sense of the word.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Feb. 2025
Not in the obvious literal sense, but by virtue of the fact that the opening minutes of the film reintroduce us to the notion of his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler), and his deep desire to reconnect with her and right his wrongs.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
With Philly fans in town, that just might be literal: the Big Easy might have to count their Romeo catchers when big game crowds go home.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
-
Christian captivity narrative historical dramas have never been the same.—
Lester Fabian Brathwaite,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
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The beadwork and design features of each suit are intentionally placed to convey a unique visual story that reflects a common historical thread.—
Martie Bowser,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This initial report will contain factual information gathered during the investigation's first phase but will not specify cause.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Currently, product content often mixes factual information with emotional appeals and brand storytelling.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
His interest in what is factually true — and how Americans no longer start with the same fact base — has led him back to a time when the country regarded some top TV news people as moral authorities.—
Thea Traff,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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First, throughout the world women outperform men in educational settings, outnumbering in the vast majority of academic degrees (including MBAs) and outscoring them on standardized assessments and GPA (same is true for primary and secondary school).—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This documentary film by director Errol Morris takes the viewer back in time to August 1969, when Charles Manson’s followers killed seven people on his orders.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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Apple Original Films has completed production on Bono: Stories of Surrender, a documentary film about the making of the U2 singer and songwriter.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 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 5 Mar. 2025.
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