as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
poems written in a natural, unliterary voice
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Recent Examples of unliterary
The bond between Alice and the spiky, decidedly unliterary Felix might flummox.
—
New York Times, 1 Sep. 2021
Both were born as writers in public libraries—hyper-bright American Jewish urban boys from unliterary backgrounds, encountering the classics on their own, without too much pre-sorting, responding with delight, imitation, amusement, and familiarity.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2021
New York Times, 1 Sep. 2021
Both were born as writers in public libraries—hyper-bright American Jewish urban boys from unliterary backgrounds, encountering the classics on their own, without too much pre-sorting, responding with delight, imitation, amusement, and familiarity.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unliterary
Adjective
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The region’s colloquial exclamation alamak, which is used to convey surprise and dismay, is also included in the list, though its exact origin is uncertain.—
Peter Guo,
NBC news,
27 Mar. 2025
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Gorsuch used his short opinion on the dry topic of debt collection to declare a more colloquial style.—
Jill Barton,
The Conversation,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The new cast for Reacher Season 3 includes Sonya Cassidy as Susan Duffy, who brings a no-nonsense and very blunt East Coast vernacular to the role of DEA Agent Susan Duffy.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Editors’ Picks How a Lady Gaga Impersonator Spends Sundays Out went Latin, replaced with the vernacular — the faithful would worship in their own languages.—
Mary Jo McConahay,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Often suggested for informal work socials or networking events, smart casual style revolves around building an outfit that’s relaxed yet still professional.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2025
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Wood floors, woven baskets, and breezy curtains introduce informal textures to the lush blend.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unliterary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unliterary. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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