as in factual
restricted to or based on fact
a historical novel that tells the story of Hannibal's crossing of the Alps through the eyes of a young boy
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Recent Examples of historical
In fact, more Republicans are retiring ahead of the midterms than at any point in nearly a century, according to an ABC News tally of retirement announcements and a review of historical data since 1930 compiled by the Brookings Institution.
—
Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Hollywood adaptations of romance novels were rare; adaptations of historical romance were even rarer.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For generations, students have learned about complex historical figures who, despite their positive contributions to society, were inarguably problematic, hateful or bigoted while alive.
—Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Here's the story on this historical pattern.
—Mark Russell, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Hollywood adaptations of romance novels were rare; adaptations of historical romance were even rarer.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For generations, students have learned about complex historical figures who, despite their positive contributions to society, were inarguably problematic, hateful or bigoted while alive.
—Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Here's the story on this historical pattern.
—Mark Russell, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
Adjective
-
Jeff Pope’s latest BBC factual drama is about the tragic death of Sarah Everard, who was killed by a serving policeman in London in 2021.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The factual basis for broader perceptions of gay prosperity is mixed.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Cristobal’s arc can use a mite more variance overall, but her playing of Margot’s inner-torture from having to live with the literal shards of blood on her neck is effective.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Amy O’Donnell, the executive director of Texas Alliance for Life, sees ultrasounds specifically as literal lifesavers.—
Emily Brindley
Health Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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McGraw Media agreed to remove all content from the documentary-style series that the department designates as inaccurate or confidential, that the NYPD is legally prohibited from releasing, that reveals investigatory techniques or that would otherwise compromise public safety or the public trust.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Even as documentary producers warn of tightening financing and shrinking commissioning budgets, the pipeline of new films shows little sign of slowing.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There was no true striker for England.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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The Full Moon highlights your 4th House of Traditions, nudging you to think about what makes your residence a true home base.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That delirious excess befits the essence of Lapid’s method, which is a fusion of fiction with indigestibly and irreducibly nonfictional elements.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The days at the fictional Oak Canyon Ranch Retreat in the nonfictional Agoura Hills are loaded with incident — the retreat itself is essentially sleepaway camp, including pool time, games, a cookout, a talent show — and disasters.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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