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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 historical
What was initially thought to be a small number of caves has been proven otherwise through ongoing research, elevating Nottingham’s historical significance (with a reference to Robin Hood attached).
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
The framing captures the intensity of the city but also its evasiveness—these cars are neither here nor there but on their way somewhere else, underscoring Hong Kong’s historical identity as a transit hub, an entrepôt, a place intended for people to pass through, not to stay in.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Given its close proximity to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, Penn’s Landing, and other major historical attractions, the hotel sees a touristy crowd.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Learning more about past SPEs is key but to date research has focused on rare, very powerful historical SPEs.
—ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
The framing captures the intensity of the city but also its evasiveness—these cars are neither here nor there but on their way somewhere else, underscoring Hong Kong’s historical identity as a transit hub, an entrepôt, a place intended for people to pass through, not to stay in.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Given its close proximity to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, Penn’s Landing, and other major historical attractions, the hotel sees a touristy crowd.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Learning more about past SPEs is key but to date research has focused on rare, very powerful historical SPEs.
—ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for historical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for historical
Adjective
-
Yet neither approach had any factual basis, and any success either group had was likely due to the placebo effect—merely giving a patient special attention and the hope of a cure can be healing in itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Some complaints derive from the film brushing aside many of the late King of Pop’s controversies, while others criticize the factual problems of Michael’s life and career, including missing family members.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That includes describing specific campaign messages suitable for advertising or attacking opponents, sometimes highlighted in a literal red box.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Others could go with a more literal interpretation of art, and either realize or reference paintings.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Olivia Wilde’s buzzy comedy The Invite and Marc by Sofia, the first documentary feature from Sofia Coppola, are among the titles that will receive UK Premieres as part of the screen programme at this year’s SXSW London festival.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The documentary categories are a lot more cut and dry.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.—
Erik Hayden,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Pee-Wee as Himself, the 2025 Emmy award winner for best documentary or nonfictional special, is also among the nominees.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/historical. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
