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literal

[lit-er-uhl] / ˈlɪt ər əl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Simpson was acquitted, but he never regained the public’s affection or goodwill, and will forever be remembered as a pariah who perhaps got away with literal murder.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

As Mr. Pelley explained, “my colleagues and I have worked together 10, 20, 30 years. We travel together. We dine together. We go into literal combat together.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

If so, then we’re layering another dimension of time onto something that was supposed to be timeless in the literal sense.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Friday’s broadcast ended with a literal bang, with Colbert, Daniels and White taking hammers to the talk show set and setting it ablaze.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny read their books and, in the back of their minds, hoped that soon their figurative escape would eventually turn into a literal one.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket




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