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
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The filmmaker is already developing several new projects exploring different periods in Chinese history, continuing her interest in finding contemporary answers through historical examination.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2025
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Companies can make immersive replicas of historical sites or cultural experiences, charging fees for virtual tours, education or events.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Currently, product content often mixes factual information with emotional appeals and brand storytelling.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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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
Adjective
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The Airbrush is also a true full-length style that's proved clutch for taller shoppers (see below).—
Andrea Navarro,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2025
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The same is true for floss, which is often made of or coated with plastic.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Already making its way around the global pitching circuit, documentary film Mothers in Transit explores the world of cross-border surrogacy, following Taiwanese couples navigating surrogacy in Ukraine and Thailand amid shifting regulations.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2025
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Elsewhere in the talk with Rachel Marie, McRae was asked to name the Eagles quarterback and where was former Eagles center Jason Kelce’s documentary streaming.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Video
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 1 Mar. 2025.
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