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
From the literal colorful array of its Dutch architecture and food to that of Venezuela, its nearby southern neighbor.
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Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
This is a style of dance that others should flock to: Not thematic or conceptual, but a chance at literal storytelling with conniving characters.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2024
Still, what Netflix’s Solitude has done, mostly for the better, is reject making a literal translation of the book in favor of an evocative one.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
This holiday season, the concept of transportive fragrance is taking on a new — rather literal — meaning.
—Noor Lobad, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for literal 
Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
This is a style of dance that others should flock to: Not thematic or conceptual, but a chance at literal storytelling with conniving characters.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Dec. 2024
Still, what Netflix’s Solitude has done, mostly for the better, is reject making a literal translation of the book in favor of an evocative one.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
This holiday season, the concept of transportive fragrance is taking on a new — rather literal — meaning.
—Noor Lobad, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for literal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for literal
Adjective
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Karey Burke, another figure backing the project, discussed the series' historical importance by noting its groundbreaking contributions to TV comedy.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
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Then there’s the pharmacy, where once again, the effort to replicate every detail with historical accuracy is evident.Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The results pointed to the success of dramas including All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on PBS in the States, and factual shows like Captain Tom: Where Did The Money Go?.Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
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This article includes reporting from The Associated Press fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
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This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Her story unfolds in a series of flashbacks and interviews with a documentary crew as the American-Greek soprano reflects on her critics, romances and art.Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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There are images of Shostakovich, Hitler, and clips that include documentary footage of an infamous 1939 pro-Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden (and its interruption by a young man outraged by the antisemitism on display).Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
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Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Thesaurus Entries Near literal
Cite this Entry
“Literal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literal. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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