as in realism
realistic depiction in art and literature
if audiences ever got the literalism they claim they want in movies, they'd be fast asleep by the second reel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 literalism
Its musings on the spiritual — or even on the innocent, the naïve, the youthful — begin and end in the realm of documentarian literalism.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
For decades the insistence on the truth value of rap lyrics was of paramount importance; now, that has run headlong into the literalism of law enforcement interpretation.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
The spectacle here is one based on literalism: nothing need be imagined ever again.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
This is the first one post-Barbie, which has ushered in a new wave of literalism on the red carpet.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for literalism
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
For decades the insistence on the truth value of rap lyrics was of paramount importance; now, that has run headlong into the literalism of law enforcement interpretation.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
The spectacle here is one based on literalism: nothing need be imagined ever again.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
This is the first one post-Barbie, which has ushered in a new wave of literalism on the red carpet.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for literalism
Video
Literally
A word that (literally) drives people nuts
Cite this Entry
“Literalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/literalism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share